In a significant stride for maritime safety, the Scotland-based tech innovator Zelim has secured a contract with the US Navy to deploy its cutting-edge AI technology designed to detect people lost at sea.
This AI-enabled “Person-in-Water” detection system, known as ZOE, is poised to enhance search and rescue operations globally, representing a major achievement for the UK company and highlighting the UK government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) support.
Revolutionizing Maritime Rescue with AI
Maritime rescue efforts are often hindered by harsh conditions, limited visibility, and the vast expanses of open water.
Zelim’s ZOE system leverages artificial intelligence to overcome these challenges, providing a highly accurate method for identifying people in the water, even in turbulent conditions that traditional methods struggle to handle.
In 2024, Zelim’s vision became a reality when they won a contract under the US Navy’s SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program.
“The DASA offering is unique,”
explains Andy Tipping, Co-Founder and Business Development Director at Zelim.
He adds,
“We had a DASA Subject Matter Expert always on hand to keep us on track and ensure our development met defence customer needs.”
This critical support from DASA helped Zelim refine ZOE to the rigorous standards necessary for real-world maritime rescues.
The Innovation Behind ZOE: How It Works
The ZOE detection system relies on a robust AI platform that scans ocean surfaces to identify people in water, even in low visibility or adverse weather.
This technology excels where traditional binoculars and camera systems fall short, giving rescuers a powerful tool to address three main challenges:
- Sheer Ocean Vastness: Ocean rescues cover vast areas, where finding a person can be like “searching for a needle in a haystack.”
- Environmental Obstacles: Fog, low light, and waves impede human sight and typical sensors, slowing down search efforts.
- Human Fallibility: Fatigue or errors in judgment can lead to missed detections, a problem ZOE’s AI aims to solve.
Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| 96% Detection Accuracy | Spot individuals up to 300 meters away |
| Operates in Low Light | Ensures visibility in fog, rain, and darkness |
| Multi-feed Compatibility | Works across various camera systems |
| Continuous Tracking | Avoids loss of sight with automatic tracking |
| Hardware Agnostic | Adapts to any CCTV or camera feed |
From UK Innovation to US Navy Contract
Zelim initially presented the ZOE concept to DASA’s Open Call in 2022, securing funding to support prototype development. This investment enabled Zelim to amass critical rescue data across various ocean conditions, forming the backbone of ZOE’s detection algorithm.
With DASA’s help, the system achieved notable success in both UK civilian and defence sectors before drawing the attention of the US Navy.
From 2022 to 2024, Zelim expanded beyond its initial scope. It secured civilian contracts with offshore energy operators in the North Sea and Ocean Winds in Portugal, as well as adoption for maritime rescues on cruise ships.
This wide-ranging application demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of ZOE’s software.
Future Impact on Global Search and Rescue
ZOE’s recent integration into US and Canadian defence programs marks a pivotal point in Zelim’s trajectory. These engagements prove the system’s practical applications and its potential to save lives across global maritime environments.
ZOE’s scalability allows it to adapt easily to large search vessels, commercial ships, and even search and rescue helicopters.
The Road Ahead
Zelim envisions continued growth, with plans to deploy ZOE across major global ports, naval fleets, and commercial shipping operations.
Through this expansion, Zelim stands as an exemplar of British innovation, transforming maritime safety standards and establishing a new benchmark in AI-assisted rescue technology.
Sources: THX News & Defence and Security Accelerator.
