OCEANS 2010 MTS/IEEE Seattle
ViewTooth
A breakthrough in subsea camera application using industry proven radio technology from WFS Technologies. Elimination of subsea cabling increases reliability, flexibility and deployment possibilities across a wide range of industries.
ViewTooth’s wireless camera housing is non-specific, allowing a range of EV subsea camera modules to be used, depending on your project requirements.
From offshore troubleshooting to monitoring of subsea installations, WFS’ award winning radio technology reduces retrieval costs by allowing your camera to be deployed subsea for longer periods and reducing expensive ROV work.
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Marine Survey
- Inland Water Survey
- Nuclear
- Renewables
Perimeter Security
Perimeter Security
Robot Mapping
Robot Mapping
Seatext (Energy)
Seatext (Energy)
Seatext (Environment)
ViewTooth
ViewTooth
Sensor Networks
Sensor Networks
SeaPAR from WFS shortlisted for 2010 World Oil Awards
WFS Defense and Partners deliver first radio-enabled UGV for through-ground C4ISR
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Technology Workshops for the Oil & Gas Industry
WFS delivers wireless capability to AXYS WatchKeeper™ buoy for $2.5 million NOAA contract
Networked Sensors for Coastal Erosion Monitoring
More than half of the world's population lives within 60 km of a coastline. As changing global climate and rising sea levels speed up coastal erosion, researchers need to monitor what is happening beneath the surface of the sea. Understanding coastal erosion has typically been by observation and measurement of exposed coastal areas which has left us with only partial picture of what is really happening.
The WFS-led team has developed a reconfigurable sensor network system that is deployed on the seabed to find the depth of closure and the movement of seabed sediment around this contour. Sensor data regarding the movement of seabed sediment is communicated in ”real-time” using WFS wireless through-water radio modems, initially to a surface buoy and then via a GSM link to a server for display over the internet. WFS patented technology provides reliable wireless communications in complex subsea environments such as shallow water and in the surf zone, making it ideally suited to coastal erosion monitoring applications.
Historically, placing seabed instrumentation in the coastal zone has proved challenging. Seabed located sensors can be deployed to gather data autonomously but provide no real-time visibility of data and so may be subject to failure or movement in the dynamic environment. Without real-time reporting there is no visibility of sensor failure or movement until sensor recovery is attempted, often at the end of a lengthy time period with no recorded data.
Wired systems have been attempted, but the deployment of a buried cable from shallow-water, up the beach means a considerable investment for each monitoring node and is prone to single point failure. The use of radio based wireless technology to relay data provides a robust, reliable and low cost real-time data monitoring solution, permitting remedial action to protect the coastline to be taken at the earliest opportunity.
WFS recognizes that the technology developed supports a number of environmental applications and will reduce the costs associated with installation of cabled data methods. The system’s versatility and the availability of different types of sensor means that in addition to coastal erosion information, flood data, pollution levels, tidal patterns and water quality data can be recorded, providing time-critical information to monitor, protect, and control coastal and marine environments.
Successful Through-Ice Field Trials
WFS Technologies has completed successful field trials of wireless communication through ice. The trials conducted during April 2010 in Horton, Norway, demonstrated wireless communication from sea water, through-ice and into the air using radio frequency (RF) technology.
Field trial observations matched theoretical simulations and WFS predicts it can achieve communications through meters of ice and then up to 1km in air.
These trials are part of a collaboration between WFS and Kongsberg Maritime, to develop a wireless system for location of and communication with the HUGIN AUV in ice conditions.
Wireless communications with AUVs and sensors under ice is a breakthrough that is anticipated to deliver substantial cost savings in environmental monitoring, exploration and production activities the world’s ice regions of Canada, the USA, Scandinavia, and Russia. The use of AUVs under ice will greatly increase knowledge about topography, oceanography, marine life and marine systems in arctic areas.
The use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is growing across the globe, due to their high levels of mobility and flexibility and capability of delivering high quality data from the under-water environment. In Polar Regions, AUVs offer the added advantage of being able to explore beneath the ice. But today sub-ice AUVs are seldom used because of the risk of loss of vehicle.
The through-ice radio location system will enable a surface vessel, a helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to communicate with and locate an AUV under the ice at up to 1km range, and will be a key component in removing risk of under-ice AUV operations.
Applications
- Environmental monitoring: AUVs deploy sensors under ice and harvest data
- Oil & Gas: monitoring of pipelines and other assets to support primitive condi-tion monitoring and intervention repairs
- Homeland Security: monitoring under ice to protect assets
For more information on Kongsberg Maritime, visit http://www.km.kongsberg.com
Pioneering new frontiers: WFS completes field trials of wireless communication through ice
Partners
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Terratext (ITALIAN VERSION)
Terratooth (ITALIAN VERSION)
Seatooth (ITALIAN VERSION)
Seatext (ITALIAN VERSION)
Seatooth
Networked Sensors for Coastal Erosion Monitoring
Networked Sensors for Coastal Erosion Monitoring
WFS consortium delivers first real-time networked coastal erosion monitoring system
Seatooth®-lite
Compact, Low Power, Radio Modem 
- Compact
- Easy deployment
- Long battery life-up to 3 years deployment from internal battery
- LED indicator to confirm read operation
- Low cost
Seatooth®-lite uses the latest digital technology to enable wireless radio communications and location over a short range through water and ground. Due to its compact size, ease of deployment and low cost, Seatooth®-lite is ideally suited for radio frequency identification (RFID) process equipment, networks and wireless SCADA applications. Seatooth®-lite is available in two configurations: Terminal: external data and power interface
Applications
RFID Tagging of Subsea Assets
Seatooth®-lite can perform a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag function, allowing effective subsea asset identification and control. RFID tags can be read or written to at distances of up to 1.5m, while in motion, in any orientation, through intervening objects, and without the need for line-of-sight. This is a low-cost and easy to deploy solution for subsea asset management.
Wireless Connectors /Subsea Connector back up
Wet-mate connectors are notoriously problematic, take time to connect and disconnect and can be a source of electrical fail-ure. Seatooth®-lite provides a short range wireless solution, eliminating the problems associated with making and breaking electrical connections and eliminating down-time in the event of electrical failure.
Sensor data harvesting
Improved and extended operation of subsea infrastructure requires increased availability of data. Seatooth®-lite enables wireless harvesting of data from remote sensors and can be used to build ad-hoc wireless sensor networks as required. The application of Seatooth®-lite technology to subsea assets enables a larger distribution of sensors to be deployed and makes retrofit of additional sensors cost-effective for the first time.
Seatooth
Seatext (Environment)
Wireless Connector
About us
About us
About us
Wireless Strain Measurement System
Dredging
RAM300
Terratooth
Terratooth
Terratext
Terratext
Seatooth (Defense)
Seatext (Defense)
SeaPAR
Radio-enabled Corrosion Monitoring: WiSPureCP
Radio-enabled Corrosion Monitoring: WiSPureCP
Seatooth-lite
Radio-enabled Corrosion-Erosion Monitor
Radio-enabled Corrosion-Erosion Monitor
Seatooth-lite
SeaPAR
Diving into Ocean Innovation - Technology Ireland May 2010
Thank You
SeaPAR
Power transfer, Acoustic & Radio communication
SeaPAR® is the world’s first complete subsea wireless data and power system to 
incorporate high bandwidth radio communications, long-range acoustic communications and wireless
power transfer in a single package.
SeaPAR®’s integration of tried and tested techniques in one single unit maximizes the benefit of this innovative product for Subsea users.
Applications:
- Data harvesting using fly-by (ROV/AUV)
- Navigation support (ROV/AUV)
- Building of subsea wireless networks
- Construction Support
- Riser monitoring
- IRM (Inspection, Repair and Maintenance)
- Recharging devices without physical interaction (enabling deployment of "sealed for life units")
RF provides the means to communicate in situations where acoustics systems typically suffer from poor performance, such as;
- Shallow water
- Noisy environments
- Vicinity to reflective structures (such as FPSO hulls)
- Large Doppler effects
- High multi-path scenarios
Specifically in the marine industry, the ongoing development of ever more sophisticated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) needs support from systems able to provide guidance, data transfer and power transfer - ideally without physical interaction. SeaPAR® is designed to be interfaced to a range of subsea assets (both fixed and mobile) and sensors, to enable optimum wireless through-water communication in a range of situations.
SeaPAR® is an OTC 2010 Spotlight on new Technology award winner.
Expansion of WFS global network of Partners
WFS Technologies wins “2010 Spotlight on New Technology” Award
Sitemap
General Managers
Ian Crowther Vince Dobbin William Porter
WFS Energy & Environment
Europe, Middle East, Asia
sales@wfs-tech.com
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 1563
WFS Defense
Europe, Middle East, Asia
sales@wfsdefense.com
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 1588
WFS Defense Inc
North Americasales@wfsdefense.com
Tel: +1 (703) 922-6999
Contact Form
We aim to respond to all contact enquiries within 24-48 hours.
Contact Us
To contact WFS via our online contact form please click here
WFS Technologies (Head Office)
Unit 7, Houstoun Interchange Business Park Livingston,
West Lothian, EH54 5BZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600
Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601
Website: www.wfs-tech.com
Email: info@wfs-tech.com
How to get to the office
WFS Energy & Environment (Livingston, UK)
WFS Energy & Environment (Livingston, UK) Unit 7, Houstoun Interchange Business Park
Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5BZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600
Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601
Website: www.wfs-tech.com
Email: info@wfs-tech.com
How to get to the office
WFS Energy & Environment (Aberdeen, UK)
Tritech House, Peregrine Rd,Westhill Business Pk,
Westhill, Aberdeen, AB32 6JL, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 1584
Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601
Website: www.wfs-tech.com
Email: info@wfs-tech.com
WFS Energy & Environment (Houston, USA)
C/O C.A. Richards & Associates , Inc. 777 N. Eldrige Pkwy.- suite 280
Houston, Texas 77079-4400, USA
Contact: Les K. Valentine
Tel: +1 (281) 531 7417
Website: www.wfs-tech.com
Email: info@wfs-tech.com
WFS Defense
WFS Defense (Belfast, UK)
Innovation Centre, Northern Ireland Science Park,
Queen's Road, Queen's Island, Belfast,
BT3 9DT, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 1588
Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601
Website: www.wfsdefense.com
Email: info@wfsdefense.com
How to get to the office
WFS Defense (Livingston, UK)
Unit 7, Houstoun Interchange Business Park
Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5BZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600
Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601
Website: www.wfsdefense.com
Email: info@wfsdefense.com
How to get to the office
WFS Defense Inc (Alexandria, USA)
433 North Lee St. Alexandria,
VA 22314, USA
Tel: +1 (703) 922-6999
Website: www.wfsdefense.com
Email: info@wfsdefense.com
To contact WFS via our online contact form please click here
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Please complete the following form to apply to become a channel partner of WFS in your region:
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Channel Partners
To purchase any of our products contact a WFS Partner or your nearest WFS office.
To apply to become a WFS Channel Partner complete our online form here.
Contact Head Office
WFS Technologies
Unit 7, Houstoun Interchange Business Park
Livingston, EH54 5BZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)845 862 6600
Fax: +44 (0)845 862 6601
Email: info@wfs-tech.com
Energy & Environment Partners - Europe
Italy
A.P.I. srl
Via Roma, 6, 20090 Trezzano S/N
MI – Italy
Contact: Massimo Spica
Tel: +39 02 94435116
Cell: +39 335 5753656
Fax: +39 02 4454027
Email: info@api-automation.it
Website: www.api-automation.it
Spain/Portugal
Nautilus Oceanica S.L.
c/ Fundadores 10, E-28028 Madrid
Spain
Contact: Alejandro Palmeiro Beck
Tel: +34 916320508
Cell: +34 656382129
Fax: +34 916320508
Email: apalmeiro@nautilusoceanica.com
Website: www.nautilusoceanica.com
Germany/Austria/Switzerland
CPU
Alwinenstre 5, Bremen
D-28203, Germany
Contact: Dr Christian Proeber
Tel: +49 421 706677
Fax: +49 421 706678
Email: cpu-bremen@t-online.de
Website: www.cpu-bremen.de
Denmark/Sweden
Bo Krogh ApS
Borrekrattet 3, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark
Tel: +45 (0)3696 5575
Cell: +45 (0)2043 1062
Email: bok@bok.dk
Website: www.bok.dk
Russia
Geomatics Centre
123 Leninskiy Prosp, Bldg. 2
117513 Moscow
Contact: Dr. Dmitry Stolyarenko
Tel: +44 7 495 9707713
Email: info@geomatics.ru
Website: www.geomatics.ru
Norway
LateraL AS
P.O.Box 226, 4098 Tananger
Norway
Contact: Petter Jensen
Tel: +47 51 94 28 60
Cell: + 47 900 25 756
Fax: +47 51 94 28 61
Website: www.lateral.no
Greece
Aerates Technologies SO.A.
93 Riga Ferocious stir, GER. 262 21,
Parts, Greece
Contact: Giorgos Kostopoulos
Tel: +30 2610 242670
Fax: +30 2610 242671
Email: gkostop@aratos.gr
Web: www.aratos.net
Energy & Environment Partners - Asia Pacific
Korea
Marine Innotec Co. Ltd
782, Hansin S-Meca, 1359, Gwanpyeong-dong
Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
Korea
Tel: +82-42-336-7869
Cell: +82-10-9669-7869
Fax: +82-42-336-7870
Email: scryu@rovts.com
Website: www.marineinnotec.com
Australia
Underwater Video Systems (UVS)
9 Macquarie Place, Boronia,
Victoria , Australia 3155
Contact: Russell Priest
Tel: +61 3 9729 8622
Fax: +61 3 9720 4948
Email: uvsmelb@uvs.com.au
Website: www.uvs.com.au
Defense Partners - Europe
Netherlands
Safe Tactics BV
7 Siliciumweg 61B, NL-3812 SW Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Contact: Peter Stolwerk
Tel: +31 (0)33 4480060
Email: info@safetactics.eu
Website: www.safetactics.eu
France
ITER
7 ZA d'Alery, 74960 Cran-Gevrier
France
Tel: +33 (0) 952 470 549
Fax: +33 (0) 957 470 549
Email: info@iter-company.com
Website: www.iter-company.com
Italy
Tempestini Group
Via Rende, 7
Roma, 00178
Italy
Contact: lngelo Tempestini
Tel: +39 067180686
Fax: +39 67183198
Email: info@tempestini.it
Website: www.tempestini.it
Sales Partners - Americas
TX, LA & MS, USA
C.A. Richards & Associates Inc
777N ElridgePkwy, Suite 280
Houston, Texas, USA
Contact: Chuck Richards
Tel: +1 281-531-7417
Fax: +1 281-531-7457
Email: chuck@carichards.com
Website: www.carichards.com
MA, RI, VT, NH & ME, USA
Oceanographic & Geophysical Instr (OGI)
1 Magnusson Ct, Sandwich,
MA 02537 , USA
Contact: Paul Igo
Tel: +1 508-888-4510
Email: pigo57@aol.com
Website: www.oginstruments.com
CT, NY, PA & NJ, USA
Electronic Sales of New England
33 Main Street
Unit L, Old Saybrook,
CT 06475, USA
Contact: Mark Warren
Tel: +1 860-388-1196
Cell: +1 860-884-8870
Fax: +1 860-388-1232
Email: info@esalesne.com
Website: www.esalesne.com
CA, AZ, NV & NM, USA
Ocean Innovations
7416 Cabrillo Ave, La Jolla,
CA 92037, USA
Contact: Brock J. Rosenthal
Tel: +1 (858) 454-4044
Fax: +1 (858) 454-5775
Email: brock@o-vations.com
Website: www.o-vations.com
WA & OR, USA
Ocean Innovations
7416 Cabrillo Ave, La Jolla,
CA 92037, USA
Contact: Ray Mahr
Tel: +1 (858) 454-4044
Fax: +1 (858) 454-5775
Email: ray@o-vations.com
Website: www.o-vations.com
Sales Partners - Canada
Western Region
Roper Resources
984 St Patrick Street, Victoria BC,
Canada, V8S 4X5
Contact: Chris Roper
Tel: +1 (250) 361 9115 Canada
Tel2: +1 (805) 798 0227 USA
Email: chris@RoperResources.com
Website: http://www.roperresources.com/
Datasheets
Please complete the following form to download Product Datasheets
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Events
WFS Technologies regularly exhibits at global trade shows and conferences. To get the chance to talk in person with our experienced and friendly representatives, please make a note of the dates and stand numbers at the relevant events. For more information or to arrange a meeting at our please contact: info@wfs-tech.com
AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America 2010
Booth 2332
24-27 August 2010
Colorado Convention Center Denver
Colorado, USA
Visit the website.
ONS 2010
Stand 1018-08
24-27 August 2010
Stavanger Forum
Stavanger, Norway
Visit the website
News
Diving into Ocean Innovation - Technology Ireland May 2010
Anthony King reports on Irish innovation in the ocean, and a new strategy and innovation cluster seeking to marry marine resources with established ICT capability.
Expansion of WFS global network of Partners
WFS expands global presence with the recruitment of four new Channel Partners in Europe across the territories of Italy, Norway, Spain & Portugal and Benelux.
Download full press release as a PDF
WFS delivers wireless capability to Beerenberg‘s subsea Conductor Cutting Tool (CCT)
Download full press release as a PDF.
WFS Technologies wins "2010 Spotlight on New Technology" Award
WFS Technologies is proud to be awarded the "2010 Spotlight on New Technology" Award by The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
Download full press release as a PDF
WFS Defense opens new Washington D.C. office
WFS Technologies, the world's leading developer of through-water and through-ground wireless communication, navigation and sensing solutions announces the opening of a new WFS Defense office based in Alexandria, Virginia
Download full press release as a PDF
New Headquarters for WFS Technologies
WFS Technologies announces the opening of its new corporate headquarters in Livingston, Scotland.
Download full press release as a PDF
Download full press release as a PDF
Oil & Gas
WFS Technologies is the world’s leading developer of through-water and through-ground wireless radio frequency (RF) technology for communication, navigation and power transfer. With over 100 patent applications filed in Europe and North America, our revolutionary wireless connectivity products and services deliver cost savings and new capabilities to the subsea Oil & Gas industry. WFS subsea RF products, RF and Acoustic networks and Technical Services provide a key enabler for O&G deep water Exploration, Drilling and Production facilities.
Subsea RF technologies have recently emerged as a viable alternative or complement to acoustic and optical technology in building subsea data acquisition and control networks for unmanned operations in extremely harsh environments. This disruptive technology development has created an industry need to provide Subsea Consulting and Technical Services to assist owner operators and engineering firms in:
- Data Collection/Communication Technologies assessments
- Communication Systems/Networks design
- Power sourcing and management design & specification
- Data Analysis / Simulation and Software tools
- Decision Support/ Software Applications
- Real Time Data Management
- Sensors and Data Quality
- Real-time Asset Integrity Monitoring
- Interfacing & integration services
- Specialized project management
Recognizing this need, WFS Oil and Gas and its alliance partners are available to provide these services.
Offshore and deepwater drilling
- Through-water and out of water into air communications to drilling rigs
Subsea ROV and AUV data communications
- Inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) of subsea installations
- Emergency detection system for AUV under ice operations
- Broadband data uplink to ROV or AUV
- Navigation and positioning
Subsea Pipelines, tie-ins and processing
- ROV and AUV broadband links to pipeline & riser sensors
- Daisy chain low bandwidth communications between sensors
- Low bandwidth up link to ship or UAV
- Condition based monitoring of subsea machinery
- Riser and tie - in sensors networks
- Data harvesting
Umbilicals & Risers
- Shallow water wireless Umbilical
- Through water and out of water to O&G production platforms or FPSO
- Deep water wireless Umbilicals
- Rapidly deployable wireless telemetry link
- Acoustic technology for longer distance drops
- RF technology at surface to connect to O&G production Platform or FPSO
- Back-up to existing telemetry
- Hybrid Acoustic/Radio Frequency (RF) networks
- RF and acoustic integration to achieve longer distance and high availability data network over longer distances -RF & acoustic have independent modes of failure
- VIV monitoring
- Umbilical back-up
Subsea power and data transmission
- Sealed systems Connectors for high reliability
- AUV docking station
- Slip rings
- Data Harvesting
- Wellhead template networking
- ROV/AUV: 4D Seismic data logger data collection
Subsea RF engineering and simulation
- WFS simulation tool for subsea Electromagnetic (RF) communications
Through-water/ground to air boundary
Test Tank Instrumentation:
WFS's products enhance test-tank facilities by delivering real-time wireless data transmission to ships and submersibles under test. WFS's wireless communications technology has the unique capability of enabling reliable, low and high bandwidth transmission directly through the water/air boundary for reception by a second modem operating on the surface. Easily integrated with facility control systems, this key capability allows for seamless communication of key reference values, such as depth and direction among others, delivering optimum functionality to vessels under test. A further benefit of WFS technology, particularly when compared to conventional acoustic systems, is that it will operate in the challenging environment of the shallow water concrete test tank, while remaining immune to acoustic noise. Our low and high bandwidth systems enable two way communications between control desk and vehicles under test, with our high bandwidth system, Seatooth, optimized to deliver the real time high speed data download necessary to hydrodynamic and nautical research.
Underwater and Underground to UAV:
WFS has successfully trialled underwater and underground communication to an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) flying above the surface of the water/above ground. Data received by the UAV can then be transmitted worldwide through use of a GSM link. This has important potential applications for the defence community, enabling covert contact to the surface whether communicating from a bunker underground or a submarine underwater.
Through-water
AUV/UUV real time command and control:
WFS’s low and high bandwidth wireless communications modems provide operators with the capability for real-time command and control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Thanks to the unique capability of delivering real-time data transmission through the water/air boundary, WFS radio modems remove the need for expensive tethering for seamless communication of key reference values, such as depth and direction among others, delivering optimum functionality to vessels under control. A further benefit of WFS technology, particularly when compared to conventional acoustic systems, is that it is immune to acoustic noise.
AUV Docking Solutions:
The provision of a reliable communications link and recharge capability has led to the development of Seatooth for rapid data download, a capability which is combined with inductive coupling to interface wirelessly for the transfer of power.
Underwater networking:
Underwater networks consist of a variable number of sensors and vehicles that are deployed to perform collaborative monitoring tasks over an extended area.
Wide area networks that interface to radio-based systems at the surface, such as network-centric warfare systems.
Submarine communications:
Submarine communications systems including AUV communications. Extends NEC to the underwater domain.
Diver communications (data+voice):
Delivering real-time data transmission through water that is unaffected by harsh weather conditions or ambient noise, WFS’s wireless communications technology has the potential to enable clear diver-to-diver voice communication as well as a data link to the surface. This capability could help to fulfill special forces diving safety requirements, allowing dive support crew to communicate with divers and monitor their position as well as vital statistics from the surface.
High Value Asset protection:
In 2007 WFS won a contract from the UK MoD Competition of Ideas to develop the key components of an electromagnetic sensing net for the purpose of Maritime Security and Force protection. Utilising electromagnetic technology developed by WFS to operate in poor quality waters and harbours with high ambient noise,this system is a robust integrated surveillance and communication solution which enables high value assets to be protected while economising manpower. Any intruder (divers, UAV) crossing through the Sensing Net would be almost instantly detected and its characteristic size, movement and direction would trigger closer investigation.Targeted at stationary vessels deployed outside home waters, as well as in ports, harbours, and offshore anchorages, the WFS electromagnetic sensing net could be erected round the asset to detect underwater intruders covertly, and without alerting the enemy. Easy to deploy and operate, it offers protection from terrorists and enemy special forces, while the discrete nature of this wireless technology helps avoid the eventuality of a diplomatic upset.
Through-ground applications
In any environment where wireless internet, GSM, GPRS and conventional through-air radio are powerless, WFS's low frequency radio technology can provide a solution for transmission of data underground. Capable of transmitting through-ground as well as through-water without disruption, a WFS radio modem will pass through concrete, rock, mud, earth and into the air to provide secure communications.
This removes the need for impractical cabled solutions and enables such applications as emergency communications in underground public transport networks, and extending Network Extended Capability into underground sensors. Furthermore, it also allows staff operating underground greater freedom, providing real-time alerts and contact with the surface at all times.
Example applications:
Soldier Location:
- Location monitoring in communications-hostile environments (complex terrain and underground)
- Enabling SOS messages and communications to be reliably transmitted through obstacles (buildings, concrete, rock, mud, earth)
- Portable transmitter, can be carried in a back-pack
- Suitable for monitoring and transmitting low rate communications for first responders after major incidents e.g. Subway/Underground systems or collapsed buildings
Intruder Detection:
Terratooth®
A modem connected to a TI motion detection camera in a tunnel sends video data through the ground.
• Rx Modem connected to a microwave link
• Data is displayed at a CCTV Control Centre
• In use with UK Police Force
Terratext®
A modem connected to a PIR sensor sends detection data through the ground.
• Rx Modem connected to an RFID tag
• Detection of intruders in a tunnels/culverts/caves
• Demonstrated at a NATO exercise (Belcoast 09) in Oct 09
Through-bunker/cave video communications:
Terratooth®
Enables covert, continuous communications inside bunkers/through walls/buildings and autonomous surveillance solutions.
• Reliable real-time transmission through concrete, rock, mud, earth and into the air to provide secure communications
• Communications to and control & command of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) patrolling tunnels, basements and demolished buildings
• High data rate communications through-ground (sensor, picture and video data)
• Real time video communications for Special Operations teams
• No wires/cabling obstruction to closed bunker doors
Homeland Security and Defense
WFS’s wireless communications technology enhances defense systems by delivering real-time data transmission through water and through ground. Data transfer is unaffected by harsh weather conditions or ambient noise and the technology will operate in shallow and congested waters, thus enabling communication in complex environments such as ports and harbours, estuaries, and waterways. WFS has an accomplished chronology of experience designing, manufacturing and installing wireless communication and sensing products to the UK Ministry of Defence and related companies.
Waste Management
Landfill Monitoring :
WFS wireless technology can provide continual monitoring of landfill sites for the purpose of increasing emission restrictions, optimizing gas use and reducing treatment costs. Current monitoring of landfill sites requires site personnel to collect emission and contaminant data via hand-held devices, a process which demands significant man-hours and involves exposure to the hazards associated with landfill. WFS electromagnetic technology enables real-time, remote, and continuous data collection in an environment where more established wireless technologies are unsuitable.
Oceanography
The Ocean is a challenging environment to monitor, with oceanographic instruments traditionally requiring to be retrieved periodically to download data captured. Due to the costs of mobilizing a vessel or dive team, this can be an expensive and unreliable process, with monitoring errors impossible to detect until retrieval, potentially leading to months of valuable data being lost. The ability to transmit data in real-time and through-water is therefore of great value in such conditions, replacing the need for repeater buoys or cabled links between sensors and data loggers, and thus saving time and money while providing a high-performance solution.
Coastal Survey:
WFS technology allows for real-time data collection from the sea-bed to the shore, providing valuable data to quantify, understand and mitigate the effects of coastal erosion.
Shallow-water dredging:
In-line with new environmental considerations, the wireless radio technology developed by WFS will enable operators to monitor the effect of shallow-water dredging on the underwater environment, and thus maintain sustainable practices by complying with wetland buffers, official dredging depths and placement of dredge spoils. Capable of transmitting through water, mud, sludge and rock and into the air, WFS radio modems remove the need for impractical devices such as cabling and repeater buoys, enabling a reliable, unobtrusive communication solution.
Monitoring of ports and harbours:
Unlike acoustic systems, WFS’s wireless radio technology is unaffected by ambient noise, turbidity, mud or ice and will operate in shallow water as well as congested environments such as harbours, estuaries and waterways. Capable of transmitting data from underwater, through the water/air barrier and onto the shore, WFS radio modems replace impractical communication solutions such as cables and repeater buoys by providing reliable, unobtrusive data transmission.
Water & Waste Water
Control and telemetry:
WFS Radio modems have the unique capability of enabling relay of data directly from the river bed, through-water, and through the water/air boundary for reception by a second modem operating in the air or at the river bank. This capability removes the requirement to seek planning permission from river bank owners which is required for the more conventional approach of hard-wiring a sensor. It also removes the need to deploy a radio repeater buoy, a solution which can be subject to damage from leisure craft, floating debris, and vandalism. Seatext directly communicates to the river bank, thus avoiding these problems. The addition of a GSM modem would further enhance range to allow for remote interrogation of data and provide a rapid-response mobile environmental monitoring system.
Underground monitoring of pipeline networks:
In an environment where wireless internet, GSM, GPRS and conventional through-air radio are powerless, WFS’s low frequency electromagnetic technology is ideally suited to underground monitoring of pipe networks. Capable of transmitting data through-ground as well as through-water without disruption, a WFS radio modem could serve not only to detect faults but also as a location device, avoiding the need for extensive road works and digging. It also allows staff operating underground greater freedom, providing real-time alerts and contact with the surface at all times.
Mining:
The wireless low frequency electromagnetic technology developed by WFS allows two-way transmission of data through rock and soil. This removes the need for vulnerable cabling while allowing for greater freedom to staff underground and enabling contact with the surface at all times.
Combined sewer overflow:
Capable of two-way transmission through rock and soil, Seatext enhances sewer monitoring systems by transmitting water level data from underground to the surface and providing real-time warning.
Environmental Management
Environmental monitoring:
WFS’s wireless communications technology has the unique capability of delivering real-time data transmission through water and through ground. This capability replaces the need for repeater buoys or cabled links between sensors and data loggers and reduces the cost of maintaining a monitoring system.
Reservoir monitoring:
Thanks to the unique capability of delivering real-time data transmission through water and through ground, WFS Radio Modems enable the relay of information from a water level sensor to the monitoring point. Water level information, once transmitted via a WFS modem can then be delivered to a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or GSM modem and uploaded to a SCADA system. This system is suited to deployment in service and impounding reservoirs.
Hydrometry & flood monitoring:
Seatext can be readily implemented with sensors and data loggers delivering regular updates on rainfall and water level rise to decision makers and providing real time flood warning and flood monitoring. Our systems are suitable for long term and rapid deployment, and unlike surface buoys are both unobtrusive and covert, thus minimizing risk of damage to monitoring set-ups.
Water quality monitoring:
WFS Radio Modems enable wireless transmission from an underwater sensor to a receiving station above water. The submerged sensor can measure a range of parameters (turbidity, pH, DO (dissolved oxygen), conductivity, temperature, differential & absolute pressure (depth), salinity) all of which can be relayed through the WFS system. Capable of being easily integrated at inlet and outlet points at water treatment works, Seatext is suitable for long term water quality monitoring installations but also capable of being rapidly deployed to investigate and monitor pollution incidents. Our systems can be readily integrated with equipment used for monitoring of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, landfill sites and the sea.
Energy and Environment
WFS’s wireless communications technology enhances monitoring systems by delivering real-time data transmission through water and through ground. Data transmission is unaffected by harsh weather conditions or ambient noise and the technology will operate in shallow and congested waters, thus enabling monitoring in complex environments such as ports and harbours, estuaries, and waterways. WFS’s innovative technology is used by private and public sector bodies and NGOs involved in environmental management and can be readily tailored to numerous applications in the following, diverse sectors:
For further information about WFS Energy and Environment business please contact:
Ian Crowther
E-mail: ian@wfs-tech.com
Phone: +44 (0)845 862 1563
Markets
Meeting the challenges of Wireless Communications
Delivering reliable, through-water & through-ground wireless communications is a major challenge. Acoustic modems and floating repeater buoys are deployed widely for through-water communications, but they have drawbacks in certain operational scenarios. Floating buoys are not discreet and acoustic modems do not work well in shallow, turbid or noisy waters.
The leading edge technology developed by WFS will allow unobtrusive high data-rate transmission through water and through ground, removing the need for a cable or repeater buoy altogether. With a high tolerance to water conditions and wide ranging potential applications, WFS’s innovative RF technology provides substantial operational and cost-effective solutions to companies active in the following key industries:
Environment
WFS recently formed a new Energy and Environment Division to deliver innovative, cost-effective wireless communications and telemetry solutions. The opportunity created by WFS relates to the capture and transmission of data in challenging environments.
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Energy
Deepwater subsea oil and gas exploration, drilling and production is rapidly increasing and is the main area of new oil and gas discovery and development. In addition, new Oil & Gas frontiers such as the Arctic are heavily reliant on subsea data communication for safe and efficient operations in these unmanned, remote and severe environments. WFS underwater wireless communication technologies are unique and essential to meet the present and future challenges of the subsea Oil & Gas industry.
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Homeland Security & Defense
WFS is a holder of the UK MoD’s top innovation award. Our through-water and through-ground RF communications technology is field-proven and provides reliable, low and high bandwidth, covert through-water and through-ground communications.
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Terratooth
Wireless RF Through-Air and Through-Ground Systems Terratooth high data rate system
Terratooth is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through the air and ground at higher data rates of 100 kbps. Terratooth will support compressed video transmission. As with Terratext, the Terratooth system will also communicate through materials that are normally considered impenetrable to conventional techniques.
High Data Rate Wireless Communication through the Ground
- Transmission of video signals through tunnel of bunker walls.
- Valuable node in a Line-of-Sight RF 'breadcrumb' system where network signals must penetrate walls or concrete.
- High data rate transfer from unattended underground sensors to a data collector (manned/unmanned vehicle, manned/unmanned aircraft overhead).
- High data rate transfer from an unmanned ground vehicle/robot to a data collector.
- Below ground, unattended robotic docking station for transfer of data and wireless power transfer (battery charging).
Terratext
Wireless RF Through-Air and Through-Ground Systems I Terratext long range system
Terratext is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, vvireless low frequency RF communications though the air and ground at data rates of 10-100 bps. Terratext will also communicate through materials that are normally considered impenetrable to conventional techniques. Examples of these materials are ice, reinforced concrete, and rock. Range performance varies out to several hundred meters, depending on the employment scenario and equipment configuration. We are happy to discuss these performance factors with you.
Terratext design is similar to Seatext, but the system is optimized for transportable wireless performance through air, ground, and solid materials. A combination of performance requirements, power management techniques, and desired battery/electric capacity will determine its on-station endurance and portability.
Wireless Communications though the Air
- Short range covert communications that do not continue to propagate through the atmosphere and hence are far more undetectable. Performance in urban scenarios where other RF spectrums are overloaded with traffic/noise/jamming.
- Point to point command and control of remote vehicles in urban environments.
- Situations (as above) where line-of-sight communications falter, such as within building/structures, or around a river bend.
Wireless Communications through the Ground, and through the Air- to- Ground Interface.
- Communications in tunnels, caves, sewers, subway systems, mines.
- Gateway node from underground high speed RF networks to attended or unattended surface nodes.
- Gateway node to exfiltrate data from buried sensors or unattended sensors contained in underground structures, culverts, or piping.
- Command and control or robotic ground vehicles in caves. Remote tunnel and cave clearance.
- Stand-alone emergency communications in underground disasters where conventional primer and communications are lost. Subway systems, mining, building collapse.
- Tunnel detection.
- Underground navigation.
- Active RFID tagging
Seatooth
Wireless RF Underwater Systems I Seatooth high data rate system
Seatooth is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through seawater at higher data rates of 100 kbps. Seatooth will support compressed video transmission. As with Seatext, the Seatooth system will also communicate across the air- to-water boundary, albeit at shorter ranges. Range performance varies out to several 10's of meters, depending on the employment scenario and equipment configuration. We are happy to discuss performance factors with you.
Seatooth is positioned to be complimentary to existing means of wireless underwater communications techniques, such as acoustic and optical systems, and even emerging laser systems. We believe that the future of underwater communications lies in combining all of these successful wireless technologies, into hybrid systems, and that our wireless RF technology performs ideally in the hand off region between long range acoustic systems and short range, precision optical systems. If environmental conditions prevent optical systems to synch, then our systems will still allow some amount of high speed data transfer.
High Data Rate Wireless Communication through the Water, and through the Water-to-Air interface
- High data rate transfer from deployed underwater sensors to a data collector(unmanned underwater vehicle, vessel overhead, aircraft overhead)
- High data rate transfer from an unmanned underwater vehicle lo a data collector (another UUV, vessel overhead, aircraft overhead).
- Underwater docking station for transfer of data and wireless power transfer (battery charging).
- Through-ice high data rate transfer from an unmanned underwater vehicle.
Seatext
Wireless RF Underwater Systems I Seatext long range systems
Seatext is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through seawater at data rates of 10-100 bps. Seatext will also communicate across the air-to-water boundary and through underwater obstacles that are normally considered Impenetrable to conventional techniques. Examples of these materials include ice, rock, or any underwater terrain. Seatext is not affected by reverberations or biofouling, performs well in very shallow water, and enjoys high turbidity conditions. Range performance varies out to several hundred meters, depending on the employment scenario and equipment configuration. The system can be designed for large or small geometries, and can be made portable. We are happy to discuss performance factors with you.
Seatext is positioned to be complimentary to existing means of wireless underwater communications techniques, such as acoustic and optical systems, and even emerging laser systems; Our wireless RF technology will add capability where these other systems are challenged in certain environments, such as in the very shallow water zone, rivers, and estuaries. We believe that the future of underwater communications lies in combining all of these successful wireless technologies into hybrid systems that offer the operator high reliability and a variety of covertness options.
Seatext is designed for underwater use, and for applications in a moist environment, such as wet soil. It can be packaged for deep or shallow water applications. A combination of performance requirements, power management techniques, and desired battery/electric capacity will determine its on-station endurance and portability.
Wireless Communication through Seawater and through the Seabed
- Secure short range communication among and between manned and unmanned underwater vessels/vehicles.
- Diver health monitoring systems and diver communication.
- Diver communications in and around swimmer vehicles.
- Long range communication by a series of deployable and replaceable network nodes along the sea bottom.
- Passive intruder swimmer/vehicle detection tripwire that is harmless to marine Iife.
- Test tank instrumentation control.
- Port Security.
- Active RFID tagging.
Wireless Communication between an Underwater Node to a Node in the Air or on Shore
- Secure short range communication from a submerged vessel/vehicle to an aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle, surface ship, unmanned ground station, or parties ashore.
- Gateway for data exfiltration from a submerged sensor network without a leaving surface scar (cables, buoys, or fiber).
- Mid-mission data recovery from an underwater vehicle involved in an area search (reduction of mission latency).
- Airborne command and control of an unmanned underwater vehicle.
Wireless Communication through ice
- Data exfiltration from underwater sensors or vehicles through ice boundary .
- Communications to and from a manned or unmanned submerged vessel/vehicle.
- Locating beacon for assets lost under the ice, to allow for immediate data retrieval and for springtime asset recovery.
Products
Wireless RF Through-Water and Through-lce Systems
Seatext long range system
Seatext is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through seawater, freshwater and ice, at data rates of 10-100 bps. Seatext will also communicate across the air-to-water boundary and through underwater obstacles that are normally considered impenetrable to conventional techniques.
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Seatooth high data rate system
Seatooth is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through water and ice at higher data rates of 100 kbps. Seatooth will support compressed video transmission. As with Seatext, the Seatooth system wail also communicate across the air-to-water boundary.
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Wlreless RF Through-Air and Through-Ground Systems
Terratext long range system
Terratext is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless low frequency RF communications though the air and ground at data rates of 10-100 bps. Terratext will also communicate through materials that are normally considered impenetrable to conventional techniques.
Learn More
Terratooth high data rate system
Terratooth is designed to provide 2-way penetrating, wireless RF communications through the air and ground at higher data rates of 100 kbps. Terratooth will support compressed video transmission. As with Terratext, the Terratooth system will also communicate through materials that are normally considered impenetrable to conventional techniques.
Learn More
Customers
Since 2003, WFS has shown outstanding achievement in technology innovation for Through-Water & Through-Ground communication solutions. Our customers are market leaders within their respective industries, and have gained significant benefit from the utilization of WFS systems.
The value delivered by WFS lies in productivity improvement, robust build and continuous research and development of our products. Whether you require simple wireless data transfer through-water, or an advanced solution for video through-ground, WFS solutions and scalability ensures the longevity of your investment.
Our customers & partners include:
About us
WFS Technologies is the world’s leading developer of through-water and through-ground wireless radio frequency (RF) technology for communication, navigation and power transfer. With over 90 patent applications filed in Europe and the US, our revolutionary products deliver cost savings and new capabilities to the Energy & Environment, and Homeland Security & Defense industries.
Founded in 2003, WFS launched the world’s first commercially available underwater Radio Modem, Seatext in 2006. The same year, the company was announced as the Overall Winner of the UK MoD’s top innovation award. WFS’s Broadband Data Link, Seatooth, was launched in January 2007 and was followed later that year by a launch of the world’s first dual technology Radio Acoustic Modem, RAM-300.
WFS’s disruptive technology is revolutionizing control and communications in underwater and underground environments. Underwater Radio Frequency (RF) technology has the distinct advantage that it will operate in adverse water conditions, is unaffected by acoustic noise, is free from multipathing problems and that the Doppler effects are minimal. Critically, WFS’s products support data transmission across the water/air and ground/air boundaries, penetrating the surf zone, ice, harbor walls, and hitherto impenetrable materials.
Pioneering research into underwater RF technology:
- 100 patent applications in Europe, US and the rest of the world
- First product launched Sept 06 - world’s first underwater RF modem
- Top UK MoD innovation award 2006/07
- Privately owned with offices in Livingston, Aberdeen, Belfast in the UK and Houston and Washington in the US.
Customers in:
- Subsea Oil & Gas
- Homeland Security & Defense
- Environmental Monitoring
- Research Organizations
Career Opportunities
Are you looking for a job that is out of the ordinary?
WFS has a team of professionals who work in a unique environment. Our employees are distinguished by their ingenuity, creativity and motivation. As a growing company, we offer our members of staff a dynamic career that is both stimulating and challenging.
Job Openings
There are currently no opportunities available.
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WFS Technologies is the world’s leading supplier of through-water and through-ground wireless radio frequency (RF) technology for communication, navigation and power transfer. Our field proven expertise in wireless connectivity is delivering cost savings and new capabilities to the Energy & Environment and Homeland Security & Defense industries worldwide.
SeaPAR from WFS shortlisted for 2010 World Oil Awards
August 17, 2010. SeaPAR, the world’s first complete subsea wireless data and power system has been announced as a finalist for the New Horizons award at the 2010 World Oil Awards. The winner will be announced during the World Oil Awards black-tie gala on 14 October 2010 in Houston, Texas at the Houstonian Hotel.
WFS Defense and Partners deliver first radio-enabled UGV for through-ground C4ISR
August 13, 2010. WFS’s Terratext® and Terratooth® wireless radio systems were integrated into an iRobot® Negotiator® to provide communication, location, docking and wireless power transfer functions.