NOUS is an innovative prototype system, created in Greece, that provides continuous video monitoring at depths up to 150m. It allows for 24/7 surveillance over an underwater area, whether you’re monitoring for protection, research, or another reason. It also lets you watch shoals of fish swimming in azure mediterranean seas at an ancient archaeological site, right from your desk.

What does NOUS mean?

NOUS is short for “uNdersea visiOn sUrveillance System”. It’s a reference to the classical Greek word νους, which means something like intellect, thinking, and reasoning.

How does it work?

The NOUS underwater monitoring system is based on an underwater network of wide-field cameras, all transmitting real-time footage, in colour. That network is powered from photovoltaic panels on the shore, or on a floating platform on the sea surface.

Each NOUS submarine camera has a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 8GB inside, as well as a lens wiper and motor.

What can it do?

By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the NOUS system, the team behind this project have created an underwater workforce capable of perceiving, distinguishing, and classifying patterns, not just object detection.

NOUS sends live data from the underwater site through a fibre optic connection to an online server. GSM and satellite networks offer optional backup connections depending on the usage needs of each installation.

Check out a shipwreck!

In the full project brief you can read about the ancient shipwreck of Peristera, at Alonissos island in Greece, which this system was first installed to monitor. It’s a merchant ship loaded with thousands of amphorae and NOUS lets you experience this underwater museum in real time. So, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to fish-gaze.