Sonobot 5 USV

Autonomous surface vehicle

The EvoLogics Sonobot 5 is an advanced uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) engineered for automated hydrographic surveys, infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring or search and rescue operations in inland and coastal waters.

Compact, robust, and easily deployable by a single operator, it combines professional-grade sensor technology with versatile operation modes to deliver reliable performance in diverse environments.

With its integrated systems and modular design options, Sonobot 5 is available in multiple configurations to meet mission-specific requirements. Optional add-ons, including advanced imaging, extended communication range, and real-time object recognition, expand its capabilities for complex or specialized survey scenarios.

The Sonobot 5 streamlines operations, reduces setup and handling time, and provides a professional platform for data collection and mission support – equally effective as a standalone tool or as part of a coordinated vehicle network.

With onboard AI capabilities, Sonobot 5 efficiently processes and analyzes data, enabling faster decision-making and optimized use of resources. It turns collected data into actionable insights, helping operators achieve more in less time.

Specification PDF

SAR, Security, Surveillance PDF

Hydrographic Survey - Side Scan PDF

Coast Guard PDF

Key Features Sonobot 5 USV

High-precision surveying

Sonobot 5 sonar options include single-beam echosounder, multibeam, side-scan and forward-looking sonars, combined with GNSS navigation and optional RTK or laser tracking for accurate bathymetry and mapping.
Compact and easy to handle

The foldable lightweight catamaran hull allows Sonobot 5 to be assembled without tools, carried by a single person, transported in a car trunk, and deployed rapidly in the field.
Stable performance and endurance

Optimized hull geometry, efficient propulsion, and swappable battery packs ensure reliable performance with up to one hours of endurance, making the system equally suited for short deployments and longer, data-intensive missions.
Robust materials

The Sonobot’s hull and components are constructed from seawater-resistant carbon fiber, stainless steel, and engineered plastics, enabling operations in both clean and contaminated waters.
Seamless communication

A redundant mesh communication network enables operation through WiFi, cellular, or long-range radio, available in multiple versions to cover the required operation range.
Versatile operation modes

The vehicle can run the mission in supervised autonomy, navigating along a pre-programmed waypoint grid with the option for operator intervention, or be manually operated using the remote control.
Flexible mission planning and data review

The Sonobot’s control software supports the entire mission cycle: interactive, geo-referenced planning of the survey grid with configurable sensor parameters; reliable control, track visualisation and data preview during deployment; wireless downloads of the full dataset after the mission, post-mission analysis and multi-format data export for seamless integration into existing workflows.
Versatility

· Autonomous and radio controlled operation modes
· Direct Wi-Fi communication with redundant link or GPRS/UMTS
· Mission planning includes settings for sonar parametersConfigurable 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
Search and recovery

Locating objects, such as underwater obstacles, wrecks,
missing persons etc. Connect Ai - Object recognition, to get information and exact location on the object that is visably for the side scan.
3D Multibeam SONOBOT USV

Bridge foundations. 3D mutibeam. (Pic:InfraGeoTaech)

Configuration Options

The Sonobot 5 is available in multiple configurations, from standard survey setups to advanced infrastructure inspection or diver support systems.

Our experts can help you select the right combination of sensors, geopositioning and communication options to match your operational needs.

Whether in rivers, lakes, or coastal waters, the Sonobot 5 can be equipped for maximum efficiency and reliability.

With a wide selection of modular options, we build a vehicle precisely tailored to the data types and data quality your missions demand:
Sonars
- Single-Beam Echosounder
  Delivers depth profiles for accurate bathymetric mapping.
- Side-Scan Sonar
  Generates detailed images of the seabed and underwater infrastructure.
- Multibeam Sonar
  Produces high-resolution 3D seabed maps for complex surveys.
- Forward-Looking Sonar
  Supports the real-time obstacle avoidance system for safe, collision-free navigation.
Imaging
- Standard Full-HD camera
  Provides navigation support and visual documentation above the waterline.
- Underwater Full-HD camera
  Supports visual documentation of the seabed and submerged assets.
- Thermal camera
  Provides (passive) night vision and shoreline reconnaissance, detecting thermal features not visible to the standard camera.
- Stereo camera
  Enhances collision avoidance and situational awareness by providing depth perception and accurate distance estimation.
- LiDAR sensor
  Enables high-resolution shoreline mapping and enhances the obstacle avoidance system.
AI add-ons
- AI-Based Object Recognition Module
  Runs directly onboard the vehicle and analyzes side-scan sonar or video camera feeds - detects and highlights various object classes in the control software onshore.
Acoustucs
- USBL antenna arm
  Allows the Sonobot 5 to act as a mobile surface gateway, linking underwater assets, divers, and AUVs to topside control over integrated acoustic and radio communication systems. By replacing stationary surface nodes, it simplifies coordination, reduces deployment time, and expands mission coverage, providing real-time navigation and reliable communication for divers and autonomous underwater vehicles.
A selection of GNSS and GNSS-independent systems to ensure all sensor measurements are georeferenced with the required accuracy:
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
  Standard positioning option, provides reliable location data for general survey tasks.
- Differential GNSS (DGPS)
  Improved accuracy over GNSS with satellite-based correction signals.
- Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS
  Achieves centimeter-level accuracy with real-time correction data from a local base station or a mobile service provider.
- Total Station
  Accurate positioning without relying on GNSS signals - tracking under bridges or near tall structures where satellite reception is blocked.
Maintain a reliable link between the Sonobot 5 and the control station across the full operational range of your missions:
- WiFi
  Direct connection to the vehicle, up to 100 m range.
- WiFi with land station
  Tripod-mounted antenna extends the WiFi range to up to 1000 m under optimal conditions.
- Long-range radio with land station
  Maximum coverage for extended operations, 2+ km under optimal conditions.
- Cellular LTE or Iridium Satellite Links
  Reliable connectivity beyond the line-of-sight.

Some Sonobot 5 configuration examples

Standard Survey Configuration

Single-beam echosounder and side-scan sonar for high-quality bathymetric mapping and seabed imaging.
High-Resolution Mapping Configuration

Multibeam sonar for detailed seabed surveys and precise 3D modeling of underwater structures.
Infrastructure Inspections Configuration

Forward-looking sonar, side-scan sonar with AI-based object recognition, underwater camera for detecting issues and documenting the findings.
Diver Navigation Support Configuration

Equipped with a USBL antenna, the Sonobot 5 acts as a mobile surface gateway for acoustic positioning networks, supporting communication with divers and AUVs.

Applications

Hydrographic and bathymetric surveys

Sonobot 5 produces high-resolution maps of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas, using advanced sonar systems and precise GNSS/RTK navigation for accurate bathymetry.
Infrastructure inspection and monitoring

Integrated sonar and visual payloads enable detailed assessment of bridges, dams, ports, and other critical structures, supporting maintenance and safety evaluations.
Environmental and scientific research

Modular sensors and onboard cameras allow comprehensive ecosystem monitoring and environmental data collection in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
Search and rescue, investigation support

AI-based object recognition, side-scan sonar, and optional thermal or stereo cameras enable real-time object localization, reducing operational time for response teams.
Hazard detection

AI-assisted modules identify dangerous underwater objects, such as mines or debris, providing support for both civil and military security operations.tion goes here
Cooperative robotic missions

In USBL configuration, the vehicle acts as a mobile surface gateway for acoustic positioning networks and follows tracked assets, ensuring uninterrupted coverage and multi-vehicle coordination.

Technical Specifications

- Type
  Catamaran
- Height
  810 mm (design), 690 mm (swimming)
- Width
  954 mm
- Length
  1291 mm
- Draught
  120 mm (propeller over keel line)
- Weight
  24 - 33 kg, depending on configuration
- Transport
  Entire system in two boxes, tool-less assembly and disassembly
- Protection type
  IP 68 for all components
- Components
  Sonobot USV, field PC (not included) with software, radio remote control, land station with tripod and antennas
- Communication
  Mesh WiFi network (2.4 GHz), redundant radio channel 868 MHz (915 MHz optional), real-time control
- Wifi antenna
  Up to 800 m omnidirectional, 1.5 km directional, 2+ km optional StreamCaster radio
- Working region
  >30 km at 1 m/s depending on configuration
- Measuring speed
  0.5–2 m/s over ground
- Wind / waves
  Up to 5 Bft, no breaking waves
- Control
  Manual and map-based navigation, autopilot in autonomous mode
- Echosounder
  EvoLogics S2C, center frequencies 80/100/200/400 kHz
- Side-scan sonar
  EvoLogics 500/200 kHz (can be combined with echosounder)
- Multibeam sonar
  EvoLogics MBES (Norbit), up to 130° swath, 512 beams at 1.45° × 1°, >200 m range, up to 50 Hz ping rate, compatible with Norbit data tools
- Forward-looking sonar
  EvoLogics 700 kHz, up to 40 m range, < 8 mm resolution, 120° × 90° view, 256 beams, 25 Hz max update, 15° mounting angle downwards
- GNSS
  1408 channels; GPS L1C/A, L2C, L2P(Y), L5; BDS B1l, B2l, B3l; GLONASS G1, G2; Galileo E1, E5a, E5b; QZSS L1C/A, L2C, L5; SBAS L1C/A
- RTK
  Reference via GSM/LTE or base/rover; EGNOS; horizontal 0.8 cm + 1 ppm, vertical 1.5 cm + 1 ppm
- Total station
  Mirror reflector & total station optionally available for positioning without GNSS
- Rugged PC
  Robust build, high-brightness display, IP65 and MIL-STD810G, pre-configured software, LTE/GNSS optional
- Software
  Dedicated Sonobot control suite; pre-installed or available as a standalone license for third-party hardware
- Standard camera
  Fully integrated HDTV network camera, photo/video storage
- Underwater camera
  Optional in submergible pod, 45° downwards, 111° wide-angle, Full HD, real-time images, manual or mission control via Neptus, photos/videos stored separately
- Thermal camera
  640 × 512, 30 Hz, -25 °C to +150 °C, 13 mm lens, 45° × 37° FOV, operating -15 °C to +50 °C
- Case
  Heavy-duty build for long-term professional use
- Outer dimensions
  1532 × 585 × 514 mm, depending on configuration
- Total weight
  Approx. 60 kg, depending on configuration

Military, Security and surveillance solutions

Diagram of the Sonobot 5 USV system showing drone components, satellite positioning, wireless LAN, field PC, and transport cases.

Sonobot % USV M7 Integrated Multibeam Sonar

Bridge connection on the seabed, Multibeam on a Sonobot 5 USV. (Pic. InfraGeoTech)

Two Sonobot 5 USV floating on calm water near a harbor with a large rusted ship in the background.

Unmanned surface vessel Sonobot USV with antennas floating in water near a dock with boats in background.

Man in dark clothing carrying a Sonobot USV out of a lake, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Quadroin AUV communicate with Sonobot 5 USV

Hydrographic surveys and visualization of Seabed conditions

Equip the SONOBOT USV with Sidescan sonar or Multibeam.

Collect data from surveys and mapping with the precision a Sonobot USV can give you. Customize according to your assignments.

Different types of sea surveying:

Seabed mapping in waterways, lakes and harbours
Find wires and wreckage
3d modeling of the bottom
Volume calculations
Inspection of marine structures
Search and location in a safe way

Surveys and mapping from 1 - 200m depth

Read about Survey Service

Sonobot equipped with Multibeam

M7 Integrated Multibeam Sonar

M7 is a highly-versatile, high-resolution multibeam echo sounder, which is also extremely simple to use and to install on the vehicle. The tightly coupled GNSS INS makes it easy to integrate even on ultra-small vehicles and very quick to mobilize. Its hydrodynamic form factor and its low power consumption makes it the perfect choice for small autonomous surface vehicles, data acquisition included.

It comes with a high-grade dual GNSS and INS positioning and motion control which is standard for all Norbit echosounders. With 512 beams at 1.45°x1°, a range of over 200 m, and a ping rate of 50 Hz.