Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
University of Plymouth Launches £1.2 Million Multi-Robot Demonstration at Smart Sound Connect
The University of Plymouth has successfully completed a significant underwater trials demonstration at the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project, showcasing multi-marine robotic platforms. This event featured collaboration among ACUA Ocean, ecoSUB Robotics, Seaber, and Sonardyne, highlighting the capabilities of the £1.2 million initiative aimed at enhancing marine autonomy and ocean sensing in the UK. The demonstration attracted stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the project's role in advancing technology in marine environments. The SSCS project enhances the existing Smart Sound Plymouth testbed by integrating a seabed node array for precise positioning and communication, alongside intelligent sensors. This infrastructure supports advanced testing capabilities for autonomous vehicles, reinforcing Plymouth's status as a leading hub for marine autonomy. The successful demonstration underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing ocean observing technologies that can provide actionable intelligence for climate resilience and preparedness. Looking ahead, the SSCS project aims to further develop ocean observing technologies that can transform prototypes into reliable data streams. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing collaboration is expected to drive innovation and strengthen industry partnerships in marine autonomy and sensing technologies.
Marine Research ACUA Ocean automation autonomous underwater vehicles auv
RAD launches Autonomy Core: Unlocking Simple, Scalable, Remote Vessel Control
At the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, RAD unveiled its latest innovation, the RAD Autonomy Core, a product designed to enhance the remote control capabilities of vessels. This new addition to the RAD Autonomy System aims to simplify and improve the reliability and flexibility of marine operations. The Autonomy Core is engineered to integrate effortlessly with existing propulsion and onboard systems, providing a practical solution for advancing marine autonomy while ensuring safety and control remain uncompromised.
rad autonomy core remote vessel control usv unmanned
Multi-robot Demo Showcases New Plymouth Subsea Test Range
A newly established underwater trials site in the UK has successfully conducted its inaugural major test, showcasing a live demonstration of a multi-marine surface and subsea robotic platform. This event marks a significant step forward in advancing marine autonomy and enhancing ocean sensing capabilities. The trials aim to foster innovation in marine technology, addressing the growing need for sophisticated underwater exploration and monitoring solutions. By providing a dedicated environment for testing, the site is expected to facilitate the development of cutting-edge robotic systems that can operate effectively in challenging marine conditions. The successful demonstration underscores the potential for these technologies to transform the way oceanic research and operations are conducted, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
multi-robot demo showcase plymouth subsea test range sonardyne smart sound connect subsurface (sscs) project smart sound plymouth
American Defense Companies Strike High-tech Gulf of America Security Partnership
Two prominent American defense companies, Janus Marine & Defense and Raven Defense Corporation, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Caribbean and Gulf of America. This collaboration, which brings together Janus Marine, a marine autonomy specialist based in South Carolina, and Raven Defense, a contractor for the US Department of War located in New Mexico, focuses on developing a high-tech 'wall of steel' designed to bolster support for the US Navy, commercial shipping, and offshore operations. The agreement underscores the growing need for advanced defense solutions in response to evolving maritime threats and aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure safer waters for both military and commercial activities.
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Robosys Automation Leads PROJECT ORACLES Consortium To Transform Consenting Process Of Offshore Wind Farms
Robosys Automation is spearheading Project ORACLES, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the environmental consenting process for offshore wind farms (OWFs). This collaborative effort involves key partners such as ACUAOcean, MSEIS, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. The project, which seeks to streamline and enhance the regulatory framework for offshore wind energy development, is set to make significant strides in promoting sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging advanced marine autonomy systems, Project ORACLES aims to address the complexities and challenges associated with environmental assessments, ultimately facilitating a more efficient pathway for the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.
Near Earth Autonomy Wins MARV-EL Contract for Marine Corps Logistics Drone
The Naval Air Systems Command has selected Near Earth Autonomy, a Pittsburgh-based autonomy specialist, to collaborate with Bell Textron, Moog, and XP Services on the development of an uncrewed Bell 505 aircraft. This partnership is part of the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) Increment 2 program, which aims to create a prototype autonomous logistics aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The contract, awarded recently, is intended to enhance the Marine Corps' logistical capabilities by providing a reliable and efficient aerial resupply solution.
AI Drone News Drone News Feeds Logistics News US Government
BMT and Teledyne Marine announce Memorandum of Understanding
BMT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Teledyne Marine Vehicles group, which encompasses Teledyne Gavia in Iceland and Teledyne Webb Research in North Falmouth, Massachusetts. This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering collaboration on upcoming projects within the maritime autonomy sector. The MoU reflects both companies' commitment to advancing innovations in marine technology and enhancing operational capabilities in this rapidly evolving field.
bmt teledyne marine memorandum of understanding (mou)
Boxfish Robotics Introduces Reliable and Easy-to-Use Hovering AUV for Marine Research
Boxfish Robotics has unveiled its first generation of fully autonomous tetherless hovering Boxfish AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), marking a significant advancement in underwater exploration technology. This innovative vehicle, which boasts state-of-the-art autonomy features, aims to redefine standards in the field. The launch took place in October 2023, showcasing the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of underwater robotics. By eliminating the need for tethering, the Boxfish AUV enhances operational flexibility and efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for researchers and marine explorers. The development of this technology reflects Boxfish Robotics' dedication to advancing marine exploration capabilities and addressing the growing demand for sophisticated underwater vehicles.
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Robosys Wins University of Plymouth Contract For USV Integrated Advanced Maritime Autonomy Solution
Robosys Automation, a leader in advanced maritime autonomy, has secured a contract with the University of Plymouth to provide an integrated maritime autonomy solution for the ASV C-Enduro unmanned surface vehicle (USV). This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the USV, which is designed for various maritime applications. The partnership reflects the growing interest in autonomous maritime technologies and their potential to revolutionize marine operations. The project is expected to advance research and development in the field, showcasing the University of Plymouth's commitment to innovation in maritime studies.
robosys university of plymouth new contract usv
Saildrone and Thales Australia Demonstrate Game-changing Capability for Autonomous Anti-Submarine Warfare
Saildrone, a leader in maritime autonomy, has partnered with Thales Australia to successfully integrate the BlueSentry thin-line towed array with the Saildrone Surveyor, resulting in a pioneering system designed for autonomous long-endurance undersea maritime domain awareness (MDA). This innovative project, backed by funding from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), represents a significant advancement in the field of persistent, real-time undersea surveillance. The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of maritime operations by providing continuous monitoring of underwater environments, thereby improving security and situational awareness in naval operations. The demonstration highlights the potential for autonomous systems to revolutionize maritime surveillance and response strategies.
saildrone thales australia autonomous anti-submarine warfare (asw)
Robosys Expands its Range of OEM Propulsion Control for Remote and Autonomous Marine Applications with New Sleipner Thruster Integration
Robosys Automation, a prominent player in maritime autonomy and intelligent vessel control, has unveiled an enhancement to its VOYAGER AI software suite. This update, announced recently, integrates Sleipner (Side-Power) Thruster Systems, thereby expanding the company's multi-OEM propulsion control capabilities. The integration aims to improve the efficiency and performance of remote vessel operations, reflecting Robosys's commitment to advancing maritime technology. This development is expected to benefit a wide range of maritime applications, further solidifying Robosys Automation's position as a leader in the industry.
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Teledyne and M Subs Announce Strategic Collaboration
Teledyne Marine, a prominent player in the field of maritime unmanned underwater vehicles and marine technologies, has entered into a strategic collaboration with M Subs, a UK-based innovator specializing in marine unmanned systems and autonomy. The two companies have formalized this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to leverage their respective expertise to enhance the development and deployment of advanced marine technologies. The collaboration is expected to foster innovation and improve operational efficiencies in the marine sector, reflecting both companies' commitment to advancing underwater capabilities.
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Oceanology International 2026 – Uncrewed Vehicles & Vessels Track Q&A
In a recent interview with Ocean Robotics Planet, Justin Manley, Chief Commercial Officer of Seahawk Robotics, discussed the advancements in autonomy within the uncrewed maritime industry. This conversation highlighted key themes that will be addressed during the Uncrewed Vehicles and Vessels conference track at Oi26, scheduled to take place later this year. The conference aims to showcase innovative developments and applications in marine autonomous systems, including technologies such as Robotics, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). Manley emphasized the growing importance of these technologies in enhancing maritime operations and addressing various industry challenges. The insights shared during the interview and the upcoming conference reflect a significant shift towards automation in marine environments, driven by the need for efficiency and safety in maritime operations.
oceanology international 2026 oi26 uncrewed vehicles & vessels track q&a events
Video Friday: Bipedal Robot Stops Itself From Falling
IEEE Spectrum robotics has released its latest edition of Video Friday, showcasing a variety of innovative robotics videos and announcing upcoming events in the field. Among the highlights is the Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER) program, which is nearing completion after extensive collaboration with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. This program is expected to leave a lasting impact on military operations and stimulate private-sector investment in autonomous technologies. Notable advancements include the introduction of COSA, a cognitive operating system that enhances humanoid robots' capabilities for high-level cognition and motion control. Meanwhile, the 1X World Model has made significant strides in robot learning, allowing its NEO model to perform tasks autonomously based on voice or text prompts, even for unfamiliar objects. In assistive technology, the GuideData Dataset has been launched to improve interactions between guide dog trainers and visually impaired individuals, aiming to enhance mobility and safety. Additionally, Fourier's Care-Bot prototype is gaining attention for its interactive features at CES 2026. In environmental monitoring, ETH Zurich has developed an autonomous quadruped robot for volcanic gas measurements, successfully tested on Mount Etna. Humanoid robots have also made progress in industrial logistics, completing proof-of-concept testing at Siemens's factory in Erlangen. Columbia Engineers have created a robot capable of learning facial lip motions for speech and singing through observational learning, marking a significant milestone in robotics. Lastly, DEEP Robotics showcased its quadruped robots' capabilities in complex firefighting scenarios, while Synapticon introduced its POSITRON platform to enhance safety in humanoid robots for real-world applications.
Robotics Video-friday Bipedal-robots Humanoid-robots Quadruped-robots Industrial-robots
Seasats Awarded $89M U.S. Navy SBIR Phase 3 IDIQ Contract, Building on Series of Operational Milestones
Seasats, a prominent designer and manufacturer of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), has secured an $89 million contract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) program from the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. This contract aims to bolster the Marine Corps' efforts in developing and deploying USVs. The award reflects Seasats' significant progress and increasing involvement in enhancing maritime autonomy, following a series of recent achievements that underscore the company's capabilities in this evolving field.
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