SOURCE: AFI

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India’s premier engineering and construction conglomerates, has embarked on a significant technological venture with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) to develop an indigenous 3D scanning SONAR system tailored for underwater applications. This partnership aims to push the boundaries of underwater exploration and surveillance in India, highlighting a step towards self-reliance in advanced marine technology.
The collaboration focuses on creating a state-of-the-art 3D SONAR system that leverages the latest in acoustic technology to provide detailed three-dimensional imaging of underwater environments. The project is particularly aimed at enhancing capabilities for applications such as underwater inspection, mapping, and navigation, which are crucial for industries like defense, oil and gas, and marine research.
The project not only involves hardware development but also significant advancements in signal processing and software algorithms. The SONAR system will employ novel waveform designs and compressive sensing techniques to minimize hardware complexity while maximizing image resolution and quality. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the adaptability of the SONAR for different mission requirements.
The initiative is part of a broader push by Indian institutions and companies to develop home-grown solutions for critical technologies, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering national technological sovereignty. The specifics of the SONAR include:
- High-Resolution Imaging: The SONAR is designed to offer high-resolution, three-dimensional images, allowing for precise mapping of underwater structures and the detection of anomalies or objects in murky waters where optical systems might fail.
- Integration with Autonomous Vehicles: There is an emphasis on integrating this technology with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) provided by L&T, ensuring that the SONAR can operate autonomously in challenging underwater conditions.
- Testing and Development: The development process includes rigorous testing phases, first in controlled environments like IIT Delhi’s underwater tank facility, followed by real-world tests at L&T’s offshore facility near Chennai. This step-by-step approach ensures that the SONAR can perform under various conditions encountered in actual underwater scenarios.