INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A view taken from onboard the US Navy (USN) Cyclone Class Coastal Defense Ship, USS HURRICANE (PC 3), showing a trailing refueling line
being extended from the USN Oliver Hazard Perry Class: Guided Missile Frigate, USS JOHN H
| Credit: US NavyAs the Navy expands its fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), Stratom has been selected for a Phase I Small Business
Innovation Research contract to develop an autonomous refueling system that could redefine naval refueling and logistics at sea.As the
leading developer of autonomous vehicles and refueling robotic systems for logistics and operational applications, the contract will
leverage Stratom’s Deployable Onboard Refueling Interface, or DORI, an automated system designed to let USVs refuel without human
intervention.Stratom was honored with an RBR50 in 2023 for RAPID, a portable autonomous refueling system designed to operate in extreme
environments, such as a battlefield, to refuel aircraft or trucks
Mark Gordon, CEO of Stratom, appeared on episode 154 of The Robot Report Podcast, where he provides an update on Stratom’s
roadmap.“Autonomous refueling is truly a force multiplier — and the next step toward a fully autonomous maritime force,” said Gordon,
“with DORI, we’re engineering a practical, scalable way for uncrewed vessels to stay on mission longer, without relying on vulnerable
crewed interventions.”Building upon existing naval refueling infrastructure while introducing targeted automation, Stratom’s DORI system
integrates a hose retrieval system, perception sensors, an automated reel mechanism, and a quick-release coupling for emergency disconnects
By enabling USVs to safely and reliably refuel while underway without human intervention, the system will extend operational endurance,
reduce personnel risk, and increase mission flexibility in contested or distributed environments.Save now with early bird discountThe Phase
I effort will validate the technical feasibility of the system’s automated reel mechanism and include concept refinement, small-scale
prototyping, trade studies, and integration of commercial bunkering best practices
These activities will ensure the proposed method is technically feasible and aligned with operational requirements.Looking ahead, Stratom
also sees strong potential for commercial deployment of DORI in ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering, a key refueling process in commercial shipping
and global maritime logistics
Automating STS bunkering could reduce high-traffic port congestion, improve safety, and cut operating costs for long-haul shipping
fleets.Stratom brings deep experience to the development effort, successfully transitioning robotic refueling systems developed for the Army
and Navy into commercial applications
RAPID, the company’s autonomous refueling, recharging, and liquid transfer platform for robotic ground and aircraft refueling, proves the
value of automating complex fueling operations through increased uptime, reduced labor demands, and enhanced safety.US Navy Overlord USV
| Credit: US NavyThe post Stratom awarded Navy contract for autonomous refueling system appeared first on The Robot Report.
