Autonomous Buoy

On the agenda for this session: DF95s and IOMs on a course with 3 autonomous buoys in a good breeze — 15 to 20 knots of wind and a nice swell. 🎯 Session objective To validate the behavior of autonomous buoys in conditions of sustained wind and real swell. Do they stay in position? Do they respond correctly to the conditions? That's what we wanted to verify visually that day. 📡 Embedded technology A GPS was installed on two DF95s (one with an A rig and one with a B rig) to p

During our regatta on April 12, 2026, we deployed a complete course consisting of 6 autonomous GPS buoys on the waters of Choisy-le-Roi. No more cumbersome logistics or safety boat trips to anchor or adjust the course: everything was controlled remotely, simply from a smartphone. During more than 6.5 hours of sailing, we were able to adjust the buoy positions according to wind variations, ensuring a well-oriented course for the race. At the end of the day, the buoys still had

The buoy is composed of components very similar to those found in a drone. We primarily selected M5Stack components for their modularity, rich functionality, and the quality of the software libraries used to control them. Autonomous GPS buoys come in two levels: Standard buoy, controlled by a joystick (long-range LoRa protocol) for one to eight buoys, with local operation on the body of water Advanced Buoy, controlled by a mobile phone application, requiring an internet conne

A modular platform perfectly suited to marine projects Autonomous GPS buoys require robust, compact hardware capable of reliable operation in demanding environments. M5Stack modules emerged as the ideal solution thanks to their modular architecture, which allows for the rapid assembly of a complete system without complex soldering or fragile electronics. Key strengths: Compact and robust format , ideal for integration into a waterproof buoy. Stackable modules , allowing the a