US-based FarSounder has announced a new integration with Ocean Autonomy Cluster member Tocaro Blue, combining forward-looking sonar and AI-powered Radar perception to improve situational awareness for vessel operators.
The integration brings Tocaro Blue’s ProteusCore™ software into FarSounder’s SonaSoft™ Lt navigation platform, enabling operators to combine above- and below-water awareness within a single interface.
FarSounder’s Argos Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) systems are designed to help mariners detect underwater hazards ahead of the vessel in real time. The systems provide a continuously updated 3D view of the seafloor and water column, supporting safer navigation in shallow, poorly charted, and changing environments.
With the new integration, users can also access Tocaro Blue’s AI-based Radar perception capabilities through ProteusCore™. The software transforms marine Radar into an intelligent perception sensor capable of detecting, classifying, and tracking objects in complex maritime environments.
According to Tocaro Blue, the system uses machine learning models trained on more than three million Radar frames to improve target detection and environmental awareness. The platform also includes Autofocus functionality, automatically adjusting Radar settings such as range and gain based on sea state and weather conditions.
By combining Radar perception with forward-looking sonar, operators gain a more complete operational picture both above and below the waterline. The integrated system can support detection and classification of vessels, including non-AIS targets, while also identifying buoys, shorelines, and underwater obstacles ahead of the vessel.
The companies say the solution is particularly relevant for operations in congested waterways, low-visibility conditions, and unfamiliar or uncharted areas.
“FarSounder leads the industry with their Argos 3D FLS product line, and adopting ProteusCore™ is a natural fit to give mariners enhanced situational awareness,” said John Minor, CEO of Tocaro Blue.
“Today’s mariners expect systems that integrate seamlessly and present critical information clearly,” said Matthew Zimmerman. “Together, ProteusCore and Argos 3D forward-looking sonar technology provide operators with unprecedented awareness when navigating in challenging marine environments.”
Tocaro Blue, a member of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, develops machine learning-based maritime perception software focused on sensor processing, sensor fusion, and real-time situational awareness for autonomous and advanced maritime operations.
The collaboration reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating multiple sensor modalities and AI-driven perception technologies to support safer and more autonomous vessel operations.