Remote-Controlled Vessel Revolutionizes Wastewater Monitoring

A new smart vessel transforms pond monitoring in remote Australia with safer, faster, and data-rich mapping technology.

20 Mar 2025

A remote-controlled mapping vessel developed in Australia’s Northern Territory is set to change how wastewater ponds are monitored in isolated and hazardous locations.

The $360,436 project, led by Darwin-based Rise Project Consulting and co-funded by the NT Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund, delivers a compact unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed to operate in debris-laden ponds. The vessel captures detailed sediment data using onboard sensors, offering real-time insight for environmental compliance and infrastructure maintenance.

Remote communities have traditionally relied on manual checks, often using basic tools or visual estimates. The new USV offers an alternative that reduces both the risks to workers and the costs associated with transporting personnel and equipment to difficult locations.

“Our mission is to bring high-precision pond mapping to places where traditional solutions fall short,” said a lead engineer at Rise. “Better data means better decisions and earlier intervention when it matters most.”

Rise is working with Charles Darwin University to test the craft under extreme heat and humidity. The vessel’s modular, open-architecture system allows for upgrades and customisation, positioning it as a scalable solution for evolving wastewater infrastructure.

Though designed for Australia’s tropical north, the developers believe there is strong potential in international markets. Countries in Southeast Asia and other regions with similar infrastructure challenges may benefit from a system that promises lower operational costs and fewer safety concerns.

The project has been cited by analysts as a sign of growing momentum in advanced manufacturing across regional Australia. By backing new technologies through its AME Fund, the NT Government is signalling a commitment to modernising essential services in smaller and more remote communities.

Challenges remain around integration into existing systems and scaling production. However, the craft’s flexible design and early testing success have attracted interest from both public and private sector partners.

If adopted widely, the vessel could lead a broader shift in how wastewater and similar utilities are monitored in hard-to-reach areas, where traditional methods often fall short.