Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Ocean Exploration Trust Initiates 31-Day Expedition to Survey Remote Pacific Waters
The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) has launched a 31-day expedition aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus to explore the remote Pacific waters surrounding Wake Island. Funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration, this mission aims to gather critical baseline data on biodiversity, geology, and maritime heritage sites, particularly those linked to the World War II Battle of Wake. This expedition is significant as it targets one of the most poorly surveyed areas under US jurisdiction, covering approximately 407,241 square kilometers of seafloor. Co-lead scientist Steve Auscavitch emphasizes the diverse mission objectives and the importance of collecting rigorous scientific data to characterize the seafloor environment and its biological and geological resources. The team will utilize remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore deep-sea habitats up to 6,000 meters deep, capturing high-resolution imagery and environmental data. This data will be publicly archived, ensuring long-term access for future research and resource management efforts. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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E/V Nautilus Embarks on Two Expeditions to Explore Mariana Deep-Sea Regions
The Ocean Exploration Trust's Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus has set sail for two expeditions to explore the deep sea around the Mariana Islands. These expeditions, taking place from June to August 2026, will utilize the vessel's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and telepresence systems, alongside Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Sentry, to investigate previously unsurveyed areas. These missions are significant as they aim to enhance understanding of abyssal plain habitats and ancient seamounts east of the Mariana Trench, a region known for its tectonic activity and unique geological features. The expeditions are supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance oceanographic research and fill knowledge gaps in this critical area. Looking ahead, the E/V Nautilus will focus on characterizing deep ocean habitats and biodiversity, as well as geological formations, including marine critical minerals. The outcomes of these expeditions are expected to contribute to both US and international scientific priorities, addressing the need for comprehensive data on the largely unexplored deep-sea environments around the Mariana Islands.
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Ocean Exploration Trust Launches Expedition with New Mapping Sonar to Explore Deeper than Ever!
The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) launched its Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus today for the inaugural expedition of 2026, marking a significant advancement in deep-sea exploration. This expedition, named Pacific Mapping (NA178), features the first operational deployment of the newly installed Kongsberg EM 304 MKII multibeam sonar technology, which enhances the vessel's capability to explore ocean depths more effectively than ever before. The initiative aims to expand our understanding of the Pacific Ocean's underwater landscapes and ecosystems, leveraging cutting-edge technology to gather critical data. The expedition underscores OET's commitment to marine research and exploration, as it seeks to uncover the mysteries of the ocean and contribute to scientific knowledge.
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NOAA Ship to Map Potential Critical Mineral Deposits in U.S. Waters of Pacific Ocean
In early April, the NOAA Ship Rainier will embark on a mission to map and characterize over 8,000 square nautical miles of federal waters surrounding Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's efforts to implement the Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan, which aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14285 aimed at unlocking America's offshore critical minerals and resources. The project underscores the government's commitment to enhancing understanding of marine resources and promoting sustainable management of these vital areas.
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NOAA-Led Ocean Mapping Expedition in Cook Islands Hailed as a Resounding Success
The Exploration Vessel Nautilus, operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust, has successfully concluded a pioneering three-week mission to map and explore the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Cook Islands. This initiative, which took place recently, was spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through its Ocean Exploration program, with additional support from a grant provided to the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI). The mission represents a significant advancement in the collaboration between the United States and the Cook Islands, aimed at enhancing marine resource management in the region. By employing advanced mapping technologies and conducting in-depth explorations, the project not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also fosters stronger partnerships in sustainable ocean stewardship.
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Fugro and NOAA partner to advance remote deep-ocean mapping
Fugro, a leading geotechnical and survey company, has partnered with NOAA Ocean Exploration to establish a five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). This collaboration aims to design and implement remote and uncrewed technologies that will enhance deep-ocean mapping and characterization. Announced recently, this public-private partnership seeks to address significant data deficiencies in the deep ocean, one of the planet's least explored regions. By improving access to vital information, the initiative is expected to facilitate informed decision-making regarding offshore energy development, marine resource management, and national security. The deployment of these advanced technologies is anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the deep sea and its resources.
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Oceaneering Awarded Contract by Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited for ROV Services and Integrated Solutions
Oceaneering International, Inc. has secured a significant contract with Esso Exploration Angola, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, to provide support services for offshore operations in Angola's Block 15. The agreement, which began on July 1, 2025, is projected to yield between $80 million and $90 million in revenue over the next three years. This partnership underscores Oceaneering's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency in the region's oil and gas sector.
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