The EvoLogics SONOBOT 5 is a compact, modular uncrewed surface vehicle designed for automated hydrographic surveys, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, search operations and cooperative marine robotics.

Designed for operation in inland and coastal waters, the SONOBOT 5 combines a lightweight carbon-fibre catamaran platform with autonomous navigation, professional survey sensors and configurable communications. The vehicle can follow pre-programmed survey grids under supervised autonomy or be operated manually when direct control is required.

Unlike a fixed-purpose survey boat, the SONOBOT 5 is configured around the intended mission. Available options include single-beam, side-scan, multibeam and forward-looking sonar; standard, underwater, thermal and stereo cameras; LiDAR; GNSS, differential GNSS, RTK and total-station positioning; long-range radio, cellular and satellite communications; onboard artificial intelligence; and an acoustic gateway configuration for communicating with divers, AUVs and other underwater assets.

Imbros can assist with selecting the appropriate SONOBOT 5 configuration for your application, including sonar payloads, positioning accuracy, communications range, obstacle detection, imaging systems and acoustic integration.

Quick Overview

Standard Mission Workflow

Mission Planning, Autonomy and Data Workflow

The SONOBOT control software supports the complete mission cycle, from survey planning through to data review and export.

Mission Planning

Operators can create georeferenced waypoint routes and survey grids before deployment. Sensor parameters can be configured according to the selected payload and survey objective.

Autonomous Survey

During supervised autonomous operation, the vehicle follows the programmed waypoint grid while the operator monitors its position, status and sensor data. Manual intervention remains available where operational conditions require direct control.

Live Monitoring

The control software provides track visualisation, vehicle control and sensor-data preview during deployment. Available live information depends on the selected payload and communications bandwidth.

Post-Mission Data Transfer

After the mission, the complete dataset can be transferred wirelessly for review, processing and archiving.

Analysis and Export

The software supports post-mission analysis and export in multiple formats for integration into established hydrographic, GIS, scientific and inspection workflows.

Workflow consideration: the final processing environment should be considered before selecting the sensor configuration. Data formats, licensing, correction services, hydrographic software and reporting requirements can affect the design of the complete system.

High-precision measurements and recordings

– Different GNSS-options available (DGPS with/without RTK, laser tracking over
a total station)
– Sonars: single-beam echosounder, multibeam echosounder, side-scan sonar (in variable configurations according to customer needs)
– HD camera for navigation support, photo- and video recordings

Flexibility

– Rapid system deployment, excellent maneuverability and area coverage thanks to powerful and efficient drives
– Special system software for planning, execution and evaluation of the survey
– Communication over a redundant mesh network enables work with/without a WLAN station, including integration of additional modules (laser tracking) without any configuration effort

Versatility

– Autonomous and radio controlled operation modes
– Direct Wi-Fi communication with redundant link or GPRS/UMTS
– Mission planning includes settings for sonar parameters
– Configurable data output

Robustness

– Built from seawater-resistant robust materials (basalt laminate, stainless steel, plastic)
– Suitable for operations in industrial waste waters
– PC for field operations
– On-board data logging, wireless transmissions on demand
– Transport case, suitable for air transport

Easy handling

– Assembly completely without tools
– Can be handled by a single person
– Fits into a car trunk compartment for transport

Object Recognition

– Objects of interest are detected and visually highlighted in the operator’s control software onshore – all live during the mission
– AI-based system as an extra module that runs directly onboard the vehicle and analyses raw data
– Available for side-scan sonar output and video feeds

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Technical information

Why Choose the SONOBOT 5?

– Portable survey platform: the lightweight catamaran can be transported in a vehicle, assembled without tools and deployed by a single operator.
– Mission-specific configuration: choose from multiple sonar, imaging, positioning, communication and autonomy options.
– Professional hydrographic capability: configurations are available for single-beam bathymetry, side-scan imaging and high-resolution multibeam mapping.
– Autonomous operation: the vehicle can execute georeferenced waypoint grids while allowing the operator to supervise and intervene when necessary.
– Up to nine hours of endurance: efficient propulsion and exchangeable batteries support both short inspections and extended data-collection missions.
– Compact field deployment: the complete system can be transported in two cases and assembled without tools.
– Multiple positioning options: configurations range from standard GNSS through to centimetre-level RTK and GNSS-independent total-station tracking.
– Expandable communications: direct Wi-Fi, land-station Wi-Fi, long-range radio, LTE and Iridium options support different mission ranges.
– Inspection and object-detection capability: sonar, cameras, LiDAR and onboard AI options can support infrastructure assessment, search operations and hazard identification.
– Acoustic gateway capability: an optional USBL antenna arm allows the vehicle to connect underwater assets with a topside control station.

SONOBOT 5 at a Glance

Attribute	Published Information
Vehicle type	Modular uncrewed catamaran surface vehicle
Typical operating environment	Inland and coastal waters
Length	1,291 mm
Width	954 mm
Design height	810 mm
Swimming height	690 mm
Draught	120 mm, with propeller above the keel line
Vehicle weight	24–33 kg, depending on configuration
Endurance	Up to 9 hours
Measuring speed	0.5–2 m/s over ground
Published working region	More than 30 km at 1 m/s, depending on configuration
Control modes	Manual control, map-based navigation and autonomous autopilot
Environmental limit	Up to Beaufort 5 without breaking waves
Component protection	IP68
Construction	Seawater-resistant carbon fibre, stainless steel and engineered plastics
Transport	Complete system transported in two cases with tool-free assembly and disassembly

Endurance, operating range, weight, communications range and survey performance depend on the selected payload, battery arrangement, speed, environmental conditions and communication configuration.

Typical Applications

Application	How the SONOBOT 5 Can Be Configured
Hydrographic and bathymetric survey	Single-beam or multibeam sonar combined with GNSS, DGPS or RTK positioning for mapping rivers, lakes, reservoirs, harbours and coastal areas.
Side-scan survey	Dual-frequency side-scan sonar for seabed imaging, object localisation, infrastructure assessment and search operations.
Ports and harbour inspection	Forward-looking sonar, side-scan sonar, LiDAR and cameras can support inspection around wharves, piles, retaining walls and submerged structures.
Bridge and dam inspection	Sonar and visual payloads can document submerged infrastructure, while total-station tracking may be considered where bridge structures obstruct satellite reception.
Environmental monitoring	Autonomous waypoint missions can collect repeatable georeferenced observations across lakes, rivers and coastal monitoring sites.
Scientific research	A configurable vehicle platform for universities, research organisations and government agencies conducting hydrographic, ecological or robotic studies.
Search, recovery and investigation	Side-scan sonar, forward-looking sonar, cameras, thermal imaging and optional AI can support object localisation and rapid investigation of search areas.
Hazard and debris detection	AI-assisted sonar or video analysis can highlight selected object classes for further review by qualified operators.
Diver and AUV support	An optional USBL antenna arm enables the SONOBOT 5 to operate as a mobile acoustic positioning and communications gateway.
Cooperative robotic missions	The vehicle can form part of a coordinated surface and subsea robotic network using integrated radio and underwater acoustic communications.

Choosing the Right Configuration

The SONOBOT 5 is not supplied as one universal fixed configuration. The vehicle, sensor payload, positioning system, communications equipment and autonomy options should be selected according to the intended application and required data quality.

Example Configuration	Principal Payload	Typical Positioning	Typical Purpose
Standard Survey	Single-beam echosounder and side-scan sonar	GNSS, DGPS or RTK according to required accuracy	Bathymetric mapping and seabed imaging
High-Resolution Mapping	Multibeam echosounder	RTK GNSS generally considered where high positional accuracy is required	Detailed bathymetry and three-dimensional seabed or structure mapping
Infrastructure Inspection	Forward-looking sonar, side-scan sonar, underwater camera and optional AI recognition	GNSS, RTK or total-station tracking depending on the site	Inspection and documentation of bridges, dams, ports and submerged structures
Search and Investigation	Side-scan sonar, forward-looking sonar, thermal or stereo cameras and optional AI	GNSS, DGPS or RTK	Object localisation, evidence gathering and search-area investigation
Acoustic Gateway	USBL antenna arm and acoustic communications equipment	GNSS, DGPS or RTK according to positioning requirements	Tracking and communication with divers, AUVs and underwater assets

Configuration guidance: specifying a SONOBOT 5 should begin with the required survey outcome rather than a list of preferred sensors. Imbros can help translate the required coverage, depth range, resolution, positioning accuracy, endurance and communications range into an appropriate vehicle configuration.

Payload and System Options

Single-Beam and Side-Scan Survey Configuration

A standard survey configuration combines a single-beam echosounder with side-scan sonar, providing bathymetric depth measurements and detailed acoustic imagery of the seabed.

The single-beam echosounder generates depth profiles directly beneath the vehicle. The side-scan sonar images a wider area to each side of the survey track, supporting the identification of seabed features, debris, infrastructure and other targets.

Single-Beam Echosounder

– EvoLogics S2C echosounder
– Published centre-frequency options of 80, 100, 200 and 400 kHz
– Suitable for bathymetric depth profiling
– Can be integrated into autonomous waypoint surveys

Side-Scan Sonar

– EvoLogics 500/200 kHz side-scan sonar
– Dual-frequency operation supports different range and resolution requirements
– Can be combined with the single-beam echosounder
– Suitable for seabed imaging, object localisation and infrastructure inspection

Application note: lower acoustic frequencies generally provide greater range, while higher frequencies are commonly selected where finer image detail is required. The appropriate survey altitude, line spacing and operating speed should be determined from the sonar configuration and target size.

Multibeam High-Resolution Mapping Configuration

The multibeam configuration is intended for detailed bathymetric mapping and three-dimensional modelling. A multibeam echosounder measures many acoustic beams across a wide swath beneath the vehicle, providing substantially denser coverage than a single-beam system.

Published Multibeam Specifications

Multibeam platform	EvoLogics MBES based on Norbit technology
Maximum published swath	Up to 130°
Number of beams	256
Published beam dimensions	1.45° × 1°
Maximum published range	More than 200 m
Maximum ping rate	Up to 50 Hz
Software compatibility	Compatible with Norbit data tools

Actual swath width, range, point density and survey accuracy depend on depth, water conditions, vessel speed, sound-velocity information, installation geometry, positioning performance and processing workflow.

Application tip: high-resolution multibeam work normally requires careful consideration of GNSS accuracy, attitude compensation, sound-velocity measurement, survey-line spacing and processing software. Imbros can assist with defining the wider system rather than considering the sonar in isolation.

Forward-Looking Sonar and Collision Avoidance

The forward-looking sonar provides real-time acoustic awareness ahead of and beneath the vehicle. It can support navigation near submerged structures and form part of an obstacle-detection and collision-avoidance configuration.

Published Forward-Looking Sonar Specifications

Operating frequency	700 kHz
Maximum published range	Up to 40 m
Published resolution	Less than 8 mm
Field of view	120° × 90°
Number of beams	256
Maximum update rate	25 Hz
Mounting orientation	15° downward angle

The collision-avoidance system can use the forward-looking sonar together with stereo-camera and LiDAR inputs, depending on the selected vehicle configuration. No obstacle-detection system eliminates the need for suitable mission planning, supervision and operational risk controls.

Camera, Thermal Imaging and LiDAR Options

Standard Above-Water Camera

The standard camera is a fully integrated HDTV network camera for above-water navigation support and visual documentation. Photographs and video can be recorded during the mission.

Underwater Camera

The optional underwater Full-HD camera is installed in a submersible pod and is intended for visual documentation of the seabed and submerged structures.

– 45° downward viewing angle
– 111° wide-angle field of view
– Full-HD imaging
– Real-time image transmission
– Manual or mission-based control through Neptus
– Separate photograph and video storage

Thermal Camera

The optional thermal camera provides passive night vision and shoreline reconnaissance by detecting thermal features that may not be visible through the standard camera.

Resolution	640 × 512
Frame rate	30 Hz
Measurement range	−25 °C to +150 °C
Lens	13 mm
Field of view	45° × 37°
Published operating temperature	−15 °C to +50 °C

Stereo Camera

A stereo-camera option provides depth perception and distance estimation. It can improve situational awareness and form part of the collision-avoidance system.

LiDAR

The LiDAR option provides high-resolution above-water scanning for shoreline mapping and obstacle detection. It can supplement camera and sonar inputs where a mission requires enhanced awareness of structures or terrain above the waterline.

GNSS, RTK and Total-Station Positioning

The positioning system should be selected according to the required survey accuracy, correction availability and operating environment.

Standard GNSS

Standard GNSS provides general-purpose georeferencing for survey tracks, inspection missions and navigation where centimetre-level positioning is not required.

The published receiver supports 1,408 channels and signals from GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS constellations.

Differential GNSS

Differential GNSS improves positioning performance by applying satellite-based correction information. It may be suitable where standard GNSS does not provide adequate accuracy but a full RTK arrangement is unnecessary.

RTK GNSS

Real-Time Kinematic positioning uses correction data from a local base station or mobile service provider to provide centimetre-level positioning under suitable conditions.

Correction options	GSM/LTE correction service or base-and-rover arrangement
Additional correction support	EGNOS
Published horizontal accuracy	0.8 cm + 1 ppm
Published vertical accuracy	1.5 cm + 1 ppm

Published RTK accuracy assumes suitable satellite geometry, correction availability, communications, installation and operating conditions.

Total-Station Tracking

A mirror reflector and total station can be supplied for missions where GNSS reception is obstructed or unsuitable. This may be relevant beneath bridges, near tall structures or in other environments where satellite visibility is limited.

Application tip: positioning requirements should be defined from the final survey deliverable. Repeat monitoring, engineering surveys and high-resolution multibeam work may require a different positioning configuration from general reconnaissance or search missions.

Communications and Operating Range

The SONOBOT 5 uses a redundant communications architecture with Wi-Fi and radio options. The appropriate link depends on the operating range, local radio regulations, available line of sight and whether beyond-line-of-sight communications are required.

Available Communication Options

– Direct Wi-Fi: published as up to 100 m for direct connection to the vehicle.
– Wi-Fi land station: a tripod-mounted antenna arrangement published as extending communications to up to 1,000 m under optimal conditions.
– Long-range radio: published as providing more than 2 km under optimal conditions.
– Cellular LTE: supports communication beyond local Wi-Fi range where suitable mobile-network coverage is available.
– Iridium satellite: available for selected beyond-line-of-sight operations.

Detailed Published Radio Information

Primary network	2.4 GHz mesh Wi-Fi
Redundant radio channel	868 MHz, with 915 MHz optional
Omnidirectional Wi-Fi	Up to 800 m
Directional Wi-Fi	Up to 1.5 km
Optional StreamCaster radio	More than 2 km

The manufacturer publishes different range figures for direct connection, land-station arrangements and detailed antenna configurations. Communications range should therefore be treated as configuration- and site-dependent rather than as one universal fixed distance.

Onboard AI and Object Recognition

An optional onboard artificial-intelligence module can analyse side-scan sonar or video-camera feeds directly on the vehicle. Detected objects can be highlighted within the shore-based control software for operator review.

Potential uses include:

– Assisting with rapid review of large side-scan datasets
– Highlighting selected classes of seabed objects
– Supporting search and investigation missions
– Identifying potential hazards or debris
– Reducing the amount of data that must be reviewed manually during time-critical operations

AI-based recognition is an operator-assistance tool. Detection performance depends on the sensor, target type, training data, environmental conditions, survey geometry and selected recognition model. Any highlighted target should be reviewed and verified by appropriately qualified personnel.

Collision Avoidance

The collision-avoidance system can use one or more of the following sensors:

– Stereo camera for depth perception and distance estimation
– Forward-looking sonar for underwater obstacle awareness
– LiDAR for detecting structures and obstacles above the waterline

The final sensor arrangement should reflect the likely obstacles, water clarity, lighting, survey environment and required level of autonomy.

USBL Acoustic Gateway Configuration

The optional USBL antenna arm enables the SONOBOT 5 to operate as a mobile gateway between underwater assets and a topside control station.

Rather than relying exclusively on a stationary acoustic surface node, the SONOBOT 5 can carry the acoustic equipment to the operating area, follow a tracked target and relay information through its radio communications system.

Potential Applications

– Diver positioning and communication
– AUV and underwater-vehicle tracking
– Communication with subsea robotic assets
– Mobile acoustic coverage over an extended mission area
– Coordinated surface and underwater vehicle missions
– Real-time navigation support for underwater platforms

Acoustic performance depends on the selected modem or USBL equipment, operating frequency, water depth, sound-speed conditions, vehicle geometry, background noise and the underwater instrument being tracked.

Integration example: a SONOBOT 5 equipped with a USBL antenna, appropriate acoustic modem and long-range radio can act as the surface communications link for an AUV mission while autonomously repositioning to maintain acoustic coverage.

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Published Value
Hull type	Catamaran
Length	1,291 mm
Width	954 mm
Design height	810 mm
Swimming height	690 mm
Draught	120 mm
Vehicle weight	24–33 kg, depending on configuration
Materials	Seawater-resistant carbon fibre, stainless steel and engineered plastics
Protection	IP68 for all components
Wind and wave limit	Up to Beaufort 5, without breaking waves

Operation and Navigation Specifications

Specification	Published Value
Control modes	Manual control, map-based navigation and autonomous autopilot
Measuring speed	0.5–2 m/s over ground
Published working region	More than 30 km at 1 m/s, depending on configuration
Endurance	Up to 9 hours
Battery arrangement	Exchangeable battery packs
Mission planning	Interactive georeferenced survey-grid and waypoint planning
Mission monitoring	Track visualisation, vehicle control and sensor-data preview

Field Computer

A rugged field computer can be supplied with the SONOBOT software preconfigured. EvoLogics publishes the following characteristics for its rugged-PC option:

– High-brightness display
– IP65 construction
– MIL-STD-810G rating
– Preconfigured SONOBOT software
– Optional LTE and GNSS

The field PC is listed as a system component but is not included as standard unless specified. The SONOBOT control software is also available as a standalone licence for suitable third-party hardware.

Transport Cases

Transport arrangement	Complete system in two cases
Assembly	Tool-free assembly and disassembly
Published outer case dimensions	1,532 × 585 × 514 mm, depending on configuration
Approximate complete transport weight	Approximately 60 kg, depending on configuration
Case construction	Heavy-duty design for professional field use

Important Configuration Considerations

Before selecting a SONOBOT 5 configuration, the following project requirements should be defined:

– Survey or inspection objective
– Maximum and typical operating depth
– Required horizontal and vertical accuracy
– Required sonar resolution and coverage
– Expected target size and material
– Water clarity and underwater visibility
– Current, wind, wave and shoreline conditions
– Available GNSS correction services
– Survey-line spacing and required operating speed
– Mission endurance and battery strategy
– Maximum distance from the control station
– Line-of-sight and communications obstructions
– Availability of cellular or satellite communications
– Required level of autonomy and obstacle avoidance
– Data-processing and export requirements
– Integration with underwater acoustic assets
– Transport, launch and recovery arrangements

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These factors determine not only which sensors should be fitted, but also whether the complete system requires RTK positioning, extended communications, obstacle-detection sensors, a rugged field computer, additional batteries or acoustic communications equipment.

SONOBOT 5 Resources

Discuss Your Application

Every SONOBOT 5 is configured around its intended mission. Selecting the correct combination of sonar, positioning, imaging, communications and autonomy options is essential to achieving the required survey or inspection outcome.

A single-beam bathymetric system has very different positioning and processing requirements from a high-resolution multibeam platform. Likewise, an infrastructure-inspection vehicle may require forward-looking sonar, cameras and obstacle detection, while an AUV-support system may instead prioritise acoustic communications and extended radio range.

Imbros can help assess your application and identify the most suitable SONOBOT 5 configuration. Useful information to provide includes the operating environment, maximum water depth, required data product, positioning accuracy, expected survey area, target type, communications range and preferred processing workflow.

More information from EvoLogics

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EvoLogics Sonobot 5