Autonomous & Unmanned Systems
Overview
Autonomous and unmanned maritime platforms are reshaping operations at sea, supporting long-duration, continuous operations with minimal human intervention while reducing crew requirements across the fleet and increasing operational capability.
NAG Marine enables these platforms by bridging autonomy systems with real-world shipboard operations. While vessel builders and integrators focus on delivering first in class autonomous platforms, NAG Marine delivers the critical links between the autonomy stack and vessel machinery control and monitoring systems.
Built on decades of experience across U.S. Navy and commercial fleets, many of our proven hardware solutions are optimized for autonomous platforms offering extreme reliability, extended operational timeframes without human intervention, low power & weight, and condition & health monitoring capability.
From initial design through deployment and sustainment, NAG Marine provides the ruggedized hardware, control systems components, and post-delivery services to support autonomous platforms from concept to operational reality.
Our Solutions
Rugged Computers
Embedded and server-grade devices, designed and manufactured in the USA, provide onboard processing for control, monitoring, edge-compute, and autonomy functions across machinery control and command and control (C2) systems. They support real-time data processing, sensor integration and management, and reliable operation in environments where size, weight, power, and connectivity are limited.
Designed for industrial automation and refined for defense and aerospace applications, these software-agnostic systems support a wide range of autonomy, machinery, and C2 software stack.
Key design advantages for autonomous and unmanned systems are:
- Reliable onboard ARM, x86, or GPU processing options to suit any autonomy and control function
- Flexible I/O options for seamless camera, sensor, and system integration
- Compact, wide-temperature, power-efficient designs suited for constrained environments
- Long lifecycle support (up to 10 years) for obsolescence management
- Remote management and system health monitoring
- Virtually maintenance-free operation for continuous deployment
- Manufactured in the USA with a trusted and resilient supply chain
With decades of experience deploying computing systems across defense and commercial applications, NAG Marine delivers Rugged computing solutions built for real-world operations.
Electric Valve Actuators
When there are no hands on deck, the automated control of valves across numerous fluid and air systems is a hard requirement.
The electric valve actuator options supplied by NAG Marine integrate with quarter-turn and multi-turn valves allowing for everything from simple on/off control to valve position control. When integrated in an autonomous surface vessel machinery control & monitoring system, the actuators enable reliable, automated control of critical systems while providing status and alarm information back to the top-level control system.
NAG Marine also provides turn-key motor operated valve (MOV) assemblies leveraging our relationships with multiple high quality valve manufacturers and integrating them with our electric valve actuators. We source select, assemble, configure, test, and deliver ready-to-go assemblies complete with an associated drawing and “as-configured” unit specific documentation package per assembly. NAG Marine supports our products and our customers with a dedicated field service team providing start-up & commissioning services, if desired.
For autonomous and unmanned systems, this provides:
- Actuators designed to deliver precise, energy-efficient valve control in a low weight package
- Less impact to range, speed & capacity budgets
- IP68 sealed for life
- Less potential for unexpected failure due to environmental conditions
- Fully electronic configuration of torque, speed, and position
- Predictable, repeatable operation over time due to no mechanical settings.
- CANbus, Digital, and Analog interfaces for control system integration
- CANbus, in particular, offers a robust communication network to provide real-time control, advanced diagnostics, and simplified installation
- Turnkey MOV assemblies
- Designed, tested, and documented prior to installation on the vessel.
With proven deployment across naval and commercial vessels, including numerous ASV installations, NAG Marine’s electric valve actuators enable autonomous platforms to predictably & reliably control critical shipboard fluid and air systems.
Tank Level Indicators
Tank level indicators (TLIs) measure and report fluid levels across a wide array of fluid types onboard vessels such as fuel, lube oil, firemain, seawater cooling, and ballast, among others.
NAG Marine has deep experience with specifying TLI technologies that provide the performance characteristics required in various shipboard systems. Measurement technologies include radar, guided wave radar, and hydrostatic pressure. NAG Marine works closely with our customers to configure & apply the most appropriate technology for each application, factoring in performance specification requirements, fluid type, tank geometry, mounting options, and budget.
For autonomous and unmanned systems, this provides:
- Short lead times; forecast driven production
- Numerous mechanical configuration options to adapt to specific mounting requirements
- Extreme reliability, substantiated by the operation record in the fleet across a large installed base
- Dedicated service team capable of supporting configuration and start-up & commission services when desired
With more than 25 years of experience and over 30,000 units deployed across naval and commercial vessels, NAG Marine delivers proven tank level monitoring solutions for demanding maritime environments.
Pressure Transmitters
Pressure transmitters measure fluid levels by detecting pressure within tanks, pipelines, and vessel systems. They provide accurate monitoring of fuel, ballast water, and other critical fluids, supporting safe and efficient shipboard operation.
By converting pressure into precise level readings, these systems deliver reliable performance across pressurized and dynamic environments, including tanks, process systems, and mixed media applications. Commonly used in ballast, fuel, and pump systems, pressure transmitters play a key role in maintaining vessel stability and system performance.
For autonomous and unmanned systems, this provides:
- Reliable monitoring of critical fluid systems
- Accurate performance in dynamic environments
- Integration with control systems for automated response
With proven use across naval and commercial vessels, NAG Marine’s pressure transmitters support the safe and reliable operation of onboard systems.
Oil Quality Sensors
Oil Quality Sensors provide continuous, real-time monitoring of lubricating oil conditions to support equipment reliability and predictive maintenance. In autonomous and unmanned systems, this enables critical machinery to operate with minimal human intervention.
Using Tan Delta’s FSH™ (Fluid State Health) technology, these sensors evaluate oil condition at a molecular level, determining overall quality and remaining usable life in real time.
For autonomous and unmanned systems, this provides:
- Continuous monitoring without manual sampling
- Early detection of contamination and system wear
- Improved reliability of propulsion and auxiliary systems
Through its partnership with Tan Delta, NAG Marine delivers oil quality monitoring solutions for propulsion, auxiliary, and hydraulic systems in demanding maritime environments.
Oil Content Monitors
Oil Content Monitors (OCMs) measure the concentration of oil in water discharges, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations such as IMO MEPC.107(49), which limits oil content to 15 parts per million (ppm).
Using fluorescence detection technology, OCMs identify oil by exciting molecules to emit light, enabling accurate measurement while minimizing interference from particulates. When oil levels exceed thresholds, the system can trigger alarms or integrate with control systems to prevent non-compliant discharge.
For autonomous and unmanned systems, this provides:
- Continuous compliance monitoring without manual oversight
- Automated response to prevent regulatory violations
- Reliable detection in complex or contaminated environments
NAG Marine delivers this capability through the TD-107s, developed in partnership with Benchmark, providing accurate, compliant measurement approved by the US Coast Guard and DNV.
Service & Support
NAG Marine provides end-to-end service and support to ensure systems are designed, integrated, and deployed for reliable operation from day one. From initial sourcing through installation, testing, and commissioning, our team delivers solutions that are ready to perform with minimal ongoing intervention.
With a focus on ease of integration and long-term reliability, we support autonomous and unmanned systems with the expertise needed to move from concept to operational deployment with confidence.
Our Capabilities
- System sourcing, integration, and installation
- Commissioning and performance validation
- Product training for operators and integrators
- Technical support and troubleshooting
- Calibration services and shipboard surveys
Built for Long-Term Operation
Our approach emphasizes delivering systems that are properly implemented from the start, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance while ensuring consistent, reliable performance in demanding maritime environments.