Technology Demonstrator

Ockerman Automation is managing the conversion of the vessel performing the necessary upgrades and engineering. When complete the vessel will expand the capabilities of the Marine Electric Propulsion Simulation Laboratory (MEPS). It will also provide a platform for the analysis of the technology to be proven on board a high-speed surface vessel.

Customers can go aboard the technology demonstrator to see our solutions in action and then visit the MEPS Lab to see the integrated solutions for their own vessels designed, modeled, and operational in the state-of-the-art simulator. This asset along with the MEPS Lab will provide customers with a design experience unrivaled in the industry.

MEPS Lab

The Marine Electric Propulsion Simulation Laboratory (MEPS Lab) is a collaboration between Ockerman Automation, Old Dominion University, and the City of Newport News. It offers a unique approach to developing a hybrid technology solution for commercial and naval vessels. A temporary facility is operational and was established in December 2018. Groundbreaking on a new 22,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility for the MEPS Lab will commence during 2019, with completion in 2020.

In addition to research and design functions, the MEPS Lab will also address workforce science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) development gaps and prepare the next generation of naval engineers and shipbuilders by training marine electricians, designers, and engineers to advance the readiness of the shipbuilding and ship repair industries.

Hybrid Propulsion Lab

The hybrid propulsion laboratory conducts research and development towards development of marine electric propulsion, advanced energy storage, and autonomous systems technology. The laboratory uses “machinery in the loop” and other novel approaches to capture real-time losses in propulsion simulation. This method allows designers to use more accurate margins resulting in designs that are optimized beyond what previous methods could allow.

VR Lab

The Virtual Reality (VR) Lab focuses on digital shipbuilding, VR ship design, and training. The temporary MEPS Lab currently has an operational fully immersive 20’ x 20’ VR space. Users can don a headset, walk around and interact with the 3D model. Two controllers allow users to manipulate levers, valves, and buttons as well as jump to different locations within the 3D model. Bystanders can view what the users are seeing on the 10’x 20’ projector in the back of the space. Vessel operators can note an interference and recommend design changes, while CAD operators make those changes, VR technicians implement them, and the operators reevaluate them all in real time.