Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Bordelon Marine Completes Conversion and Delivery of MV Lilly Bordelon Vessel
Bordelon Marine has successfully completed the conversion and redelivery of the MV Lilly Bordelon, a Stingray Series 260 Class DP-2 Ultra-Light Intervention Vessel. This modern subsea intervention vessel has been repurposed from an existing platform to provide cost-efficient and flexible solutions for offshore operations. The MV Lilly Bordelon boasts over 5,500 square feet of clear deck space and features a mezzanine deck that supports two work-class ROVs, along with an integrated ROV control room. It is equipped with a 60-ton active heave-compensated crane and a 17-meter USCG/ABS-certified helideck, making it suitable for a variety of subsea inspection, maintenance, repair, and light construction tasks. Wes Bordelon, President and CEO, expressed pride in adding the MV Lilly Bordelon to their fleet, emphasizing its role in enhancing the company's ability to deliver high-capability, cost-effective subsea solutions to clients. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Eurosatory 2026: LRMV showcases NMBT with A2CS during Italy's bid.
At the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition, LRMV showcased its latest Main Battle Tank, which is currently being evaluated as a potential replacement for Italy's Ariete MBT fleet. This unveiling marks a significant step in Italy's military modernization efforts, as the country seeks to enhance its armored capabilities. The exhibition, held in Paris, serves as a platform for defense manufacturers to present innovative technologies and solutions to military officials and industry stakeholders. LRMV's new tank is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare, emphasizing advanced features and improved performance. The decision to consider this new model reflects Italy's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in defense technology.
News
Anduril and Archer Launch Thunder Drone as a Loyal Wingman for Helicopters
Defense firm Anduril, in collaboration with Archer, has introduced Thunder, a Group 5 drone designed to operate alongside helicopters such as the Apache and future Cheyenne fleet. This fully autonomous, armed reconnaissance tiltrotor aircraft has been in development for approximately three years, drawing on insights from Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury aircraft. The significance of Thunder lies in its potential to transform maneuver warfare, particularly in tactical air-ground littoral operations. Anduril President Chris Brose highlighted that the design incorporates lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the drone's role in enhancing military capabilities. Thunder's specifications include a range and speed comparable to the Cheyenne and a payload capacity equivalent to the Apache. Looking ahead, the Thunder drone is expected to be equipped with various armaments, including missiles and counter-drone systems. It can be transported in a 40-foot ISO container, showcasing its versatility. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Air Warfare Land Warfare Air Force Anduril Apache Army
HII Completes 750th REMUS Unmanned Undersea Vehicle for German Navy
HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the United States and a pioneer in advanced unmanned autonomous technologies, has announced the successful completion of its 750th REMUS unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV). This significant milestone was reached at HII's unmanned facility located in Pocasset, Massachusetts. The 750th unit, a REMUS 300, is set to be delivered to the German navy, highlighting the growing demand for advanced maritime technology solutions. This achievement underscores HII's commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the defense sector.
hii 750th remus unmanned undersea vehicle (uuv) german navy
SpaceX Proposes 1 Million AI Satellites to Address Ground Data Center Constraints
On January 30, 2026, SpaceX filed with the FCC to launch up to 1 million AI compute satellites, positioning orbital data centers as a solution to the increasing demand for AI computing power. Ground data centers are facing significant challenges, with energy consumption projected to reach approximately 1,050 TWh in 2026, making them the fifth-largest electricity consumer globally. The demand for new data center capacity is outpacing the growth of power generation infrastructure, leading to a critical bottleneck in the grid system. The significance of this initiative lies in the structural constraints faced by ground data centers, including power delivery limitations, high water consumption, and local opposition to new projects. The Uptime Institute's 2026 outlook identifies power as the primary constraint on data center growth, with capacity clearing prices in the PJM grid skyrocketing to $329.17/MW, driven by data center expansion. Additionally, cooling requirements are becoming increasingly unsustainable, with facilities consuming vast amounts of water, further complicating their operational viability. Looking ahead, SpaceX's orbital AI compute initiative aims to circumvent these challenges by leveraging the advantages of space, such as continuous solar power and minimal local opposition. The first AI prototypes are expected to launch in early 2027, with operational deployments planned for 2028. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Lost Severed Bow of USS New Orleans Discovered in South Pacific
A team of scientists and explorers aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus has made a significant discovery by locating and imaging the bow of the World War II heavy cruiser USS New Orleans for the first time. This historic find occurred during a recent expedition in Iron Bottom Sound, located in the Solomon Islands, where the bow was found resting approximately 675 meters deep. The discovery was made possible through the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that investigated a target identified during seafloor mapping operations conducted by the University of New Hampshire’s uncrewed surface vessel, DriX. This exploration not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in maritime history but also highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover and document underwater artifacts from past conflicts.
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ACUA Ocean led consortium secures UK government backing for 145ft Multi-Role Uncrewed Offshore Support Vessel
A consortium led by ACUA Ocean, which includes partners Houlder, Ad Hoc Marine Designs, Trident Marine, and the University of Southampton, has received backing from the UK government to advance the development of a new class of medium-sized uncrewed support vessels. This initiative aims to enhance maritime operations and support various marine activities, reflecting a growing interest in innovative, unmanned technologies within the maritime sector. The project underscores the UK government's commitment to fostering advancements in marine engineering and technology, with the consortium set to leverage its collective expertise to design and build these vessels. The development is expected to take place over the coming years, contributing to the evolution of the maritime industry and promoting sustainable practices in marine operations.
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FORSSEA & DOS to Offer Joint Underwater Services
Forssea Robotics has entered into a gentleman's agreement with Deep Ocean Search (DOS) and its French affiliate, The Deep Company (TDC), to provide enhanced survey-augmented remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services on a global scale. This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both companies in underwater exploration and data collection, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of marine surveys. The agreement marks a significant step in expanding the reach of advanced ROV technology, facilitating improved operations in various underwater environments. The partnership is expected to benefit industries such as oil and gas, environmental monitoring, and underwater construction, addressing the growing demand for sophisticated marine survey solutions.
forssea robotics deep ocean search (dos) joint underwater services
HydroSurv and WASPP Multibeam Deliver Turnkey Uncrewed Multibeam Solution to Foyle Marine & Dredging
HydroSurv, in collaboration with Furuno UK's WASSP Multibeam division, has successfully delivered a REAV-28 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) to Foyle Marine & Dredging. This vessel, equipped with an advanced WASSP multibeam echosounder system, is set to enhance marine construction and dredging operations. The delivery marks a significant milestone as it represents the first implementation of this integrated system, designed to provide cost-effective bathymetric surveys. The partnership aims to improve efficiency and accuracy in underwater mapping, addressing the growing demand for reliable marine survey solutions.
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