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Nauticus Robotics launch new generation of its Aquanauts

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Nauticus Robotics, a developer of autonomous robots using artificial intelligence for data collection and intervention services for the ocean industries, has launched the first of three second-generation Aquanauts, dubbed the “Mark 2” (MK2).

The Aquanauts will now start commissioning exercises. Following commissioning, Nauticus expects to send the initial Aquanaut MK2 units to the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico in the coming months to support customer initiatives in those regions.

The Aquanaut MK2 is a fully electric, untethered and autonomous subsea robot that is controlled through acoustic communication networking and underpinned by Nauticus’ proprietary software suite, toolKITT. The artificial intelligence-based software suite allows for robotic controls, user interfaces, sensor integration, simulation, data analysis, and communication frameworks purpose-built to enable subsea work. [Read more…] about Nauticus Robotics launch new generation of its Aquanauts

Underwater robots market set to expand at 14 percent a year

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The market for underwater robots is expected to reach a value of $1.2 billion in 2023 and $4.3 billion by the end of 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7 percent.

This is according to a new report, Underwater Robots Market, published by Fact.MR.

Some of the deep and difficult-to-reach areas of the ocean are explored by an underwater robot. Underwater robots have cameras and lights that give them vision in the dark ocean and make it simple for them to communicate with the operator.

Although there are many uses for underwater robots and they are still in the early stages of market exploration, their production, operation, and maintenance costs are high. In order to prevent any accidents, it also needs trained professionals. [Read more…] about Underwater robots market set to expand at 14 percent a year

Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics, a developer of highly dexterous exoskeletons and robotic systems that augment humans to enhance productivity and safety, says it has executed field trials demonstrating improved worker safety and productivity for shipyard operations.

Sarcos robotic systems are designed to carry out maintenance, inspection, and repair activities, on and around ships that are underway and pier side, creating safer and more effective shipyard operations and improving the efficiency of sailors and shipyard workers.

In September, the company completed a successful field trial for the US Navy at the Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) at the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California. [Read more…] about Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

Blue Robotics wins award from Society of Underwater Technology

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The Society for Underwater Technology’s Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics has been won by Rustom (Rusty) Jehangir, founder and CEO of Blue Robotics, an ocean technology company based in Torrance, California.

Neil Bose, chair of SUT’s Underwater Robotics Panel, and vice president (research), Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador’s University, says: “The standard of entries for the SUT’s Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics was extremely competitive this year, and the nominees of high calibre, which challenged the judges to select this year’s winner.

“On behalf of the Panel, the judges and SUT, we would like to recognise the talent, innovation, and qualities of all the entrants working in underwater robotics.” [Read more…] about Blue Robotics wins award from Society of Underwater Technology

Startup uWare Robotics develops ‘first’ complete system to map and monitor coastal ecosystems

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A Belgian-Spanish startup called uWare Robotics says it has developed the “first end-to-end technology to map and monitor coastal ecosystems”.

uWare says its system consists of a number of proprietary hardware and software technologies, including an autonomous underwater vehicle, called the uOne.

Designed for maximum mobility, stability, cost-effectiveness, and autonomy, the uOne allows for data collection at “five times the speed of a diver” and with the precision of a robot, claims uWare. [Read more…] about Startup uWare Robotics develops ‘first’ complete system to map and monitor coastal ecosystems

QYSEA unveils new AI vision system for underwater drone for explorations

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QYSEA has unveiled a new AI vision system for underwater drone for explorations.

The development and deployment of compact ROVs (remotely operated underwater vehicles) in recent years have immensely helped users overcome the greater technical difficulties and efficiency issues involving professional small-scale underwater tasks, especially in 4K filming, operational work, and deep-sea inspections.

While the ROVs’ capacity in shooting, mobility, and power is continuously improving, the ability to accurately and actively lock onto subjects visually underwater remained a challenging bottleneck to breakthrough within the industry. [Read more…] about QYSEA unveils new AI vision system for underwater drone for explorations

EDF employs ‘unique’ underwater drone to carry out ‘first ever’ autonomous robotic inspection of wind farm foundations

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EDF has installed a uniquely customised remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to carry out what is believed to be the first autonomous wind farm foundation inspection at its Blyth Offshore Wind Farm.

The ROV, equipped and operated by researchers from the ORCA Hub, a strategic project within the National Robotarium, was modified to include cutting-edge robotic technologies for autonomous inspection capabilities and carried out visual inspections of the gravity-based foundations of three offshore turbines over the course of four days.

The inspections were undertaken as part of a partnership between EDF and the ORCA Hub to investigate a wide range of potential applications for drone technology to assess offshore wind turbines. [Read more…] about EDF employs ‘unique’ underwater drone to carry out ‘first ever’ autonomous robotic inspection of wind farm foundations

Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

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Advanced Navigation, a manufacturer of artificial intelligence-based navigation and robotics systems, has launched Hydrus, an autonomous subsea robot that combines “the most advanced navigation, sonar and communication capabilities of any autonomous underwater vessel”.

This advanced technology is combined with a 4K 60 camera in an “incredibly small form factor”.

Advanced Navigation says Hydrus “hugely simplifies” underwater data collection and inspection and overcomes many existing cost barriers. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

KDDI and QYSEA launch ‘world’s first sea-to-air drone’

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Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI, commercial drone manufacturer ProDrone, and underwater robotics firm QYSEA have unveiled what they say is “the world’s first sea-air integrated drone”.

The innovative vehicle, which has a footprint of less than 1 sq m, was unveiled during a flight showcase at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama.

The “revolutionary” Sea-Air Integrated Drone aims to modernize offshore and marine operations with its intelligent capabilities, high working efficiency, and minimized manpower required. [Read more…] about KDDI and QYSEA launch ‘world’s first sea-to-air drone’

Robot designed by WHOI to explore underwater glacial walls to monitor climate change

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It’s the front line of climate change and could hold the key to predicting global sea level rise, but what goes on at the underwater face of Greenland’s glaciers is a mystery to science.

That could change in 2023 with a bold new mission led by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin that will explore three of Greenland’s glaciers with a submersible robot.

The voyage will be the first time Greenland’s glaciers – which make up the world’s second-largest ice sheet – will be seen up close underwater. [Read more…] about Robot designed by WHOI to explore underwater glacial walls to monitor climate change