Builds lifesaving watercraft – NRK

The technological future promising, says CEO of KONGSBERG, Geir Håøy. This summer nearly 190 engineering and technology students worked to develop technological projects, on behalf of the group.

One of the projects is Coastal Shark, an autonomous watercraft.

– We created a new cover and put on loads of fun communications and electronics, and got it to run by itself, says Vegard Saga, project manager for Coastal Shark.

Will save lives

the scooter has Vegard developed together with twelve other students. The aim is that in future will help to save lives at sea.

– The point is to create a kind of drone that can apply in water or by dangerous things or for people. And help where others dare not or where it is difficult to reach, he said.

PROJECT Vegard Saga has led the project Coastal Shark. Together with twelve other students they have developed water scooter.

Photo: Louise Samnøy

will still take a few years to realize the project, but water scooter runs already completely self on the water.

– we ran as late as last night, and then we drove on waypoints on a map which allows it ran perfectly by itself. And it can now do missions without human intervention, says Vegard.

Impresses

Håøy is impressed with what the students have achieved during the summer .

– it is an exciting project because it can be useful for both military and civilian. An important project for us here in Kongsberg, says the CEO.

But the students also work on other things. They have been involved in developing a machine to detect the seabed, an autonomous drone and an airship as standing motionless in the air even if it blows.

EXPLAINS Vegard Saga (right) explains Geir Håøy (middle) how the project has gone. Before them stands watercraft.

Photo: Louise Samnøy

Håøy believes students are innovative and helps to take the technology further.

– we have major international competitors and we have to be far ahead technologically. And that these young students to learn new methods, new ways of looking at things and think future-oriented, is extremely important for Kongsberg and Norway.

The commitment is huge tells Håøy.

– It seems as they have both enjoyed themselves and sit there sweating a bit, literally, but also professional.

Vegard hope that personal watercraft should be completed and ready for sale in three to four years.

– that students can be involved in such a project right from the start is unique, says Elaine eventually.