Heron
UNMANNED SURFACE Vessel
Features
MADE FOR OPEN SOURCE
Get started faster. Build upon a thriving developer community. Use our comprehensive library of free sample code to shave months off your development, then benchmark your research against a growing community of Heron users.
FLEXIBILITY BETWEEN PROJECTS
Get your research underway in a fraction of the time with easily interchangeable payloads for each new project.
OPEN API
Access all raw variables to ensure no part of your research suffers due to proprietary “black box” designs.
We support multiple languages so you don’t have to.
DUAL PAYLOADS
The Heron provides a payload bay for submerged sensors, and a generous mounting system for those above water.
MARINE ISR
Herons are quiet and maneuverable. Enhancing the standard payload configuration with improved sensing capabilities and deploying several units lets you extend your presence over the water.
Tech Specs



Size and Weight
Dimensions Deployed | 1.35 x 0.98 x 0.32 m (51.2 x 38.6 x 13 in) |
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Dimensions Stored | 1.35 x 0.56 x 0.32 m (53.2 x 22 x 13 in) |
Weight | 28 kg (62 lbs) |
Draught | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Environmental
Max Speed |
3.3 kn / 1.7 m/s |
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Max Payload |
10 kg |
Drivers and APIs |
ROS, MOOS-IvP, C++ |
Accessories
Configure a custom platform. Explore all Accessories.

PTZ Camera
Axis Communications

LMS-111 Lidar
SICK

SMART7-L GPS
Smart

IMU
MicroStrain
Packages
The preconfigured packages offer everything needed to get started quickly. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Visit our sensors and components store or contact us.
HERON BASICThe Heron Basic Package has everything you need to get started with with research in aquatic environments. The platform provides access to communication ports as well as onboard power supplies. A powerful embedded computer system comes pre-installed with Linux and ROS; all component ROS drivers are installed and pre-configured. Example ApplicationsIncluded AccessoriesFeatured Upgrades |
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Heron ExplorationEquipped with a full suite of weatherproof sensors, the Heron Exploration Package is designed to navigate shallow water bodies. Applications range from GPS waypoint missions, bathymetric surveys, and environmental monitoring. A powerful Embedded Atom Computer comes pre-installed with Linux and ROS; all component ROS drivers are installed and pre-configured. Example ApplicationsINCLUDED ACCESSORIESFEATURED UPGRADES |
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Gallery
See our robots work in the most demanding environments by researchers all over the globe.