PROJECTS
Development of Integrated Control and Communication Systems for Autonomous Maritime Platforms with Enhanced Safety and Adaptability
SIA VIC TEC has launched a research project entitled “Development of integrated control and communication systems for autonomous marine platforms with increased safety and adaptability”
(No. DI-13), which aims to develop a unified, modular and secure control interface for the control of various types of robotic systems. The solution is intended as a cross-platform control environment that is applicable to both civil and defense needs.
The research project is being implemented under the Recovery Fund’s Operational Program “Latvia’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism Plan 2.2. Reform and Investment Direction “Support for the introduction of new products and services in business” within
the framework of the SIA “VMKC” project “Support for the introduction of new products and services in business”, CFLA contract No. 2.2.1.3.i.0/1/24/A/CFLA/004.
Research project duration: 07/2025-03/2027.
Total cost of the research project EUR 588,340.00, including EUR 430,024.00 financing from the European Union Recovery Fund.
Follow the progress of the project on our website!
The project was launched on July 1, 2025.
Project implementation period: July 1, 2025–September 30, 2025 (1st reporting period). Initial research work was carried out during this period. At the start of the project, the architectural concept was developed, functional requirements and data flows were defined, API and data structure specifications were created, the technical environment was set up and validated, and the basic principles of the security and access system were implemented. As a result, a complete architectural description was prepared. This architectural documentation will serve as the basis for further work on system development and the implementation of automated control functions.
Result: A complete system architecture concept has been developed and a basic prototype has been documented. The main modules, data flows, and API specifications have been defined.
Conclusions: This is a stable technical basis for further system development. The architecture model provides a clear module structure, defined data flows, and secure connection mechanisms.
Project implementation from 01.10.2025 – 31.12.2025. (2nd reporting period)
During this period, the development of the integrated management and communication system continued, based on the architectural concept created in the first period. The main focus was on the development of the system’s main functional modules, the validation of communication solutions, and the testing of prototypes in a controlled environment.
During this period, a laboratory test bench was created to simulate real-life autonomous marine platform operating scenarios. The laboratory test bench ensured the mutual integration of the control interface, communication systems, and vehicle control components, allowing for repeatable and comparable tests.
Event and data logging with time stamps was implemented, ensuring system performance analysis, data flow traceability, and objective evaluation of test results. The tests were performed in both continuous telemetry data flow and periodic control command modes. During laboratory tests, real-time telemetry and control command transmission between the ground control station (GCS) and the vehicle control unit (VCU) was investigated and validated. The test results confirmed an optimized data transmission delay that is sufficient for reliable execution of control and monitoring tasks.
Project implementation from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026 (3rd reporting period).
As part of the project, research and laboratory validation of secure communications infrastructure solutions were conducted, focusing on encryption, authentication, and system isolation methods. A secure operator authentication and access control solution was developed and tested by integrating the communications infrastructure with the centralized identity management system Microsoft Entra ID.
Laboratory tests validated multi-factor authentication and session auditability. It was confirmed that, until successful authentication, the system does not allow control operations to be performed or operational subsystems to be activated, thereby ensuring effective isolation from unauthorized access.
The solution employs industry security standards that provide a high level of protection against unauthorized access and meet requirements for strong encryption (above AES-256) and multi-factor authentication. As a result of this work, the compliance of secure encryption and authentication methods with high information security requirements was confirmed under laboratory conditions.
Project implementation from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026 (4th reporting period)
During this period, the initial architecture of the automated backup and disaster recovery system was completed and validated under laboratory conditions.
The developed solution ensures the continuous automatic storage of telemetry data and system logs within the server infrastructure using secure data transmission mechanisms. The system supports the collection of more than 29 telemetry parameters, including navigation, engine, and technical sensor data, which are stored along with location and time information.
During the research, data export in a standardized format was successfully tested, and a playback module was developed that allows for the retrieval and analysis of previously recorded operational data. Automatic system recovery following fault simulations was also validated, ensuring the restoration of configurations and operation logs without manual intervention.
The developed backup and recovery system meets the project requirements and provides a solid foundation for the further development and testing of remote control functionality in subsequent project phases.
Prototype of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) – a water drone, equipped with adapted torpedoes and elements of an air defense system
Recovery Fund Operational Program “Latvia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan 5.1. Reform and Investment Direction “Increasing Productivity through Increased Investment in R&D” 5.1.1.r. Reform “Innovation Management and Motivation for Private R&D Investment” 5.1.1.2.i. Investment “Support Instrument for Research and Internationalization” SIA “MAŠĪNBŪVES KOMPETENCES CENTRS” is implementing project No. 5.1.1.2.i.0/2/24/A/CFLA/008 “Mechanical Engineering Research” from June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
As part of the project “Support for Research by the Mechanical Engineering Competence Centre”, SIA “VIC TEC” will launch research project No. J.3.1. “Prototype of an unmanned
surface vehicle – water drone (USV) with adapted torpedoes and anti-aircraft defense system elements” on March 3, 2025. The aim of the research project is to develop a model of an unmanned surface vehicle that focuses on creating innovative solutions and ensuring effective operational functionality.
The research project is planned to be completed by February 28, 2027.
The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 1,629,800.00, including EUR 1,067,600.00
in funding from the European Union Recovery Fund.
Project No. 5.1.1.2.i.0/2/24/A/CFLA/008 “Support for research by the Mechanical Engineering Competence Centre ” SIA VIC TEC research project No. J.3.1. “Prototype of an unmanned surface vehicle – water drone (USV) prototype with adapted torpedoes and air defense system elements” (hereinafter – the Project) has been launched and the
following activities have been implemented. The project was launched on March 3, 2025.
Project implementation from March 3, 2025 to May 31, 2025.
During this period, initial research work on the effectiveness and technical parameters of available protection systems was carried out as planned. The possibilities for adapting them to the prototype software were explored.
Project implementation 01.09.2025.-31.12.2025.
During this interim period, the project team developed a technological approach and procurement specifications to ensure that the production of the USV prototype is repeatable, verifiable, and manageable in terms of time and cost.
Requirements-component linking logic has been implemented: minimum requirements, test criteria and acceptable equivalents have been defined for each subsystem (hull, propulsion, energy, communications, control, sensors, safety elements). This defines the technology for manufacturing the USV prototype, which is defined in four parts: hull construction base, electronic architecture and interface set, component selection criteria, and technical specifications and procurement regulations.
Next, critical items are ordered, purchased, checked for compliance, visually inspected, and randomly tested. Next, the manufacture of the body, integration of electronics and communications, and software validation are planned.
During this period, communication systems with multi-frequency control and integration of various transmitters have also been developed. The results also focus on the basic architecture and interfaces for the development of the control system and autopilot software. The components of the control software architecture (Ground Control Station), communication protocol layer, telemetry visualization, mission route management, and integration with the on-board Vehicle Control Unit have been defined.
The result is a documented set of communication system specifications (with specific modules and verifiable requirements) and a description of the software architecture, which allows integration and testing with the selected hardware to begin.
Conclusion: Steps have been taken to move from documented specifications and architecture to a practically validated multi-channel communication and control system.
Project implementation: January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026
The objective of Milestone 4 is to develop the initial prototype design based on data obtained in previous phases and to manufacture a laboratory prototype for further measurements.
During this phase, the transition from technical documentation to a physical prototype was achieved.
Results achieved:
· Detailed equipment drawings and work specifications were developed
· A laboratory-scale prototype with all key integration elements was manufactured.
· Research instruments were purchased.
· A work plan was prepared for the manufacture of a full-scale prototype.
The results provide a practical foundation for the next phase—the procurement of integrated systems, the manufacture of a full-scale housing, and system integration.
The objective of Activity 6.1 of Milestone 6 is to ensure the transition from documented specifications to a physically assembled and operational communication and control system.
The transition from technical specifications to a physically assembled and operational communication and control system was achieved.
Results achieved:
· All integrated systems have been procured and tested: communication modules, navigation and situational awareness sensors, SDR platform, propulsion components, electrical wiring, power supply, and mechanical elements.
· The communication and control systems were assembled and verified in a laboratory configuration, replicating the USV’s two-cluster architecture.
· A test environment with a complete diagnostic infrastructure for functional testing was prepared.
6.1 provide a practical foundation for subsequent activities—the functional validation of the system, the integration of the torpedo launch system, and the fabrication of the USV hull.
Project implementation: April 1, 2026–June 30, 2026.
During this 7th phase, a study on the integration of the torpedo launch system was conducted, and the selection and simulation of the USV air defense system were carried out.
The following activities were carried out during the reporting period:
6.2. Study of the integration of the torpedo launch system (TLS) with the USV control system, and
7. Selection and simulation of the USV air defense system with the existing control system.
As part of these activities, a technical evaluation of five potential torpedo launch systems was conducted, analyzing their installation requirements, deck cutouts, electrical power supply parameters, and integration capabilities with the unmanned vessel’s control system. In parallel, engineering calculations were performed and technical specifications were prepared for the design of the USV hull, including the sizing of deck penetrations, calculations of fastener load-bearing capacity, evaluation of equipment installation angles, and modeling of the power balance.
Communication interfaces were tested on a previously built USV control system test bench using software emulation.
Five main integration scenarios were implemented and tested:
· Ethernet UDP/IP multicast communication;
· Operation of the RS422 serial communication channel;
· CAN bus data flow;
· Simulation of command chain operation;
· Modeling of the power supply system.
All simulation scenarios confirmed the compatibility of the selected communication protocols with the developed UPS control system.
During the selection process for the air defense system, several remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) alternatives were evaluated. The selection was based on criteria that included compatibility with naval platforms, weight and size constraints, a 24 V DC power supply, stabilization and rotation capabilities, day and night surveillance capabilities, counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (CUAS) capabilities, and integrability into the existing USV control architecture.
As a result, a stabilized RCWS system was selected, and its integration requirements were defined and incorporated into the USV hull design specifications. Using the USV control system test bench, six operational scenarios for communication and control interfaces were simulated,
and software tests were conducted, which confirmed the integration capabilities of the selected system and the functionality of the overall architecture in a test environment.
Results Achieved
Activity 6.2 – Torpedo Launch System Integration
1. Five TLS units were evaluated by analyzing their layout, deck penetrations, footprint parameters, and power supply requirements.
2. Communication interface simulations were performed across five scenarios, confirming interoperability with the USV control system.
3. Engineering calculations and a package of technical specifications were developed for the design of the USV hull.
In Activity 7, “Selection and Simulation of the USV Air Defense System,” a stabilized RCWS air defense system was selected; system integration requirements were defined and evaluated, and incorporated into the hull design documentation; Communication interface simulations and software tests were conducted, confirming the system’s integration capabilities and operation in a test environment.
Development of a new product – an unmanned marine drone – at VIC TEC
Within the framework of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, under Specific Objective 1.2.1 “Strengthening research and innovation capacity and the introduction of advanced technologies in enterprises”, Measure 1.2.1.1 “Support for the development and internationalization of new products”, VIC TEC Ltd. is implementing project No. 1.2.1.1/3/25/A/009 “Development of a new product – an unmanned marine drone – at VIC TEC.” from 1 August 2025 to 31 December 2026.
The objective of the research project is to develop a prototype of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) – a marine drone – and to conduct its trials. The planned outcome is a multifunctional unmanned surface vehicle prototype with high maneuverability, the capability to carry additional equipment, hull stability, high speed, and autonomous operation.
The total planned project cost is EUR 534,528.00, including EUR 254,834.76 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund and EUR 44,970.84 of funding from the state budget.
For participation in the draft export support action plan
On April 17, 2025, SIA VIC TEC signed contract No. 9.3-1-L-2025/110 with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) for receiving support to promote exports under the measure “Support for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship of SMEs” project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship of SMEs” (EADP/2025/1443/LG/1), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
The project’s objective is to increase export volume by strengthening the company’s competitiveness in international markets and promoting sustainable development. SIA VIC TEC participated in the Latvian joint stand at the DSEI UK 2025 exhibition, also carrying out marketing activities there.
This support provides SIA VIC TEC with the opportunity to expand its network of international cooperation partners and ensure an effective presence in the global market.
Development of an Innovative Product in the Field of Unmanned Aerial and Maritime Surveillance Platforms
Under Specific Support Objective 1.2.1, “Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacity and Introducing Advanced Technologies to Enterprises,” of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027 Under Measure 1.2.1.1, “Support for the Development and Internationalization of New Products,” SIA “VIC TEC” is implementing Project No. 1.2.1.1/3/26/A/051 “Development of an Innovative Product in the Field of Unmanned Air and Maritime Surveillance Platforms.”
The goal of the project is to develop an innovative dual-use unmanned technology solution—an integrated unmanned surface platform (unmanned boat) with a built-in vertical takeoff and landing system for unmanned aerial vehicles.
The solution to be developed is intended as a unified, modular system prototype that enables drone operations from a moving water platform while maintaining high stability, safety, and autonomy in both civilian and military applications.
The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 1,284,774.40, including EUR 559,210.66 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund and EUR 98,684.23 in funding from the state budget.