Two Coastguardsmen discuss unmanned surface vehicle capabilities with an industry representative during a technology demonstration hosted by the Innovation Council at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., Oct. 19, 2017. The Innovation Council aims to hold at least one technology demonstration per quarter. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Innovation Council Hosts Technology Demonstration

Oct. 24, 2017

The Coast Guard Innovation Council hosted a technology brief Oct. 19 – the latest in its efforts to keep the service’s decision-makers informed about emerging technologies that can improve mission execution.

Innovation Council technology demonstrations provide an opportunity for the Coast Guard to learn how emerging capabilities might enhance mission performance. They are held without any obligation or commitment by the Coast Guard to purchase goods or services. “These demonstrations help keep us up to date on what’s going on in the market,” said Cmdr. Andy Howell, Innovation program manager.  “We want to keep bringing in emerging technology with direct relevance to Coast Guard operations.”

During the Oct. 19 demonstration, Coast Guard stakeholders learned about Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicle. This included a presentation of the vehicle’s design and capabilities followed by a question-and-answer session with company representatives. “A growing need for unmanned systems is going to hit our concept of operations pretty soon, and we need to be prepared,” Howell explained.

Companies interested in demonstrating emerging technologies can contact the Innovation Program by email at innovation@uscg.mil. Presentations should focus on a specific emerging technology. For example, the Oct. 19 demonstration focused on the unmanned vehicle’s unique propulsion system and the advantages it offers. Previous demonstrations have highlighted augmented reality, virtual reality, and command and control mission management software. The Innovation Council aims to hold at least one technology demonstration per quarter.

For more information: Innovation Program page