Industry Briefing

A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.

BMT Partners with Seabed 2030 to Enhance Ocean Mapping in Asia Pacific and Globally

BMT Partners with Seabed 2030 to Enhance Ocean Mapping in Asia Pacific and Globally

BMT has officially joined the Seabed 2030 Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at mapping the world's oceans. This partnership will leverage BMT's extensive maritime expertise to support the project's goal of creating a comprehensive ocean map, which is crucial for understanding marine risks and opportunities. The Seabed 2030 Project, endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, seeks to compile all ocean floor data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. Despite its significance, much of the ocean remains unmapped, which hinders decision-making in marine environments. BMT's involvement is expected to enhance collaboration within the geospatial and maritime communities, accelerating the mapping process. As BMT expands its maritime capabilities across Australia and the Asia Pacific, this partnership will integrate its knowledge in maritime design and environmental solutions with Seabed 2030's mission. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

bmt usv ocean mapping
Oshen Demonstrates Seabed-Mapping Capabilities of Sail-Powered Robots in U.S. Navy Trial

Oshen Demonstrates Seabed-Mapping Capabilities of Sail-Powered Robots in U.S. Navy Trial

Oshen has successfully demonstrated the seabed-mapping capabilities of its sail-powered robots during a trial conducted by the U.S. Navy. This trial showcased the robots' ability to efficiently map underwater terrains, which is crucial for various naval operations and environmental assessments. The significance of this trial lies in the potential applications of Oshen's technology for the U.S. Navy and other maritime organizations. Accurate seabed mapping is essential for navigation, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring, making these robots a valuable asset in maritime operations. Looking ahead, the continued development and testing of Oshen's sail-powered robots may lead to broader adoption in both military and commercial sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

US Navy Awards $10 Million to Saildrone for Atlantic Seabed Mapping with USVs

US Navy Awards $10 Million to Saildrone for Atlantic Seabed Mapping with USVs

The US Navy has awarded a $10 million contract to Saildrone to utilize autonomous vessels for mapping the Atlantic Ocean floor. This initiative, assigned by the Naval Oceanographic Office, is set to commence in 2026 and will continue through most of 2027, enhancing military knowledge of critical underwater terrain. This project is significant as it aims to improve safe navigation and support submarine missions, anti-submarine warfare, and critical infrastructure protection. Currently, only 28.7 percent of the world's oceans have been mapped to modern standards, leaving substantial knowledge gaps that can pose operational risks for naval operations. Looking ahead, the deployment of Saildrone's Surveyor unmanned surface vessels will not only provide high-resolution bathymetric data but also measure ocean currents, aiding search-and-recovery operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Military
Seabed 2030 and Greenroom Robotics Announce Partnership to Support Global Ocean Mapping

Seabed 2030 and Greenroom Robotics Announce Partnership to Support Global Ocean Mapping

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project has formed a partnership with Greenroom Robotics, an Australian company specializing in artificial intelligence and autonomy for maritime operations. This collaboration aims to enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of maritime activities through advanced perception and autonomy software. The announcement highlights the growing importance of innovative technologies in supporting responsible maritime practices as the project continues its mission to map the world's seabed by 2030.

seabed 2030 greenroom robotics partnership global ocean mapping
Fugro Reinforces its Role as Major Contributor to UN Ocean Decade Initiative for Seabed Mapping

Fugro Reinforces its Role as Major Contributor to UN Ocean Decade Initiative for Seabed Mapping

Fugro has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 project, a key initiative under the United Nations Ocean Decade, during the Oceanology International event held in London. As the Ocean Decade approaches its midpoint, the company is enhancing its contribution by expanding the fleet of vessels involved in the Seabed 2030 project. Notably, Fugro's largest vessels, which are primarily engaged in geotechnical surveys, will now also participate in the collection of vital ocean-floor data, complementing the efforts of the existing geophysical fleet. This expansion aims to accelerate the mapping of the world's seabeds, supporting global efforts to better understand and protect oceanic environments.

fugro un ocean decade initiative for seabed mapping
Fugro Selected for Pioneering USV Seabed Mapping Initiative in Norway

Fugro Selected for Pioneering USV Seabed Mapping Initiative in Norway

Fugro has secured a contract with the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS) to assist in the 2025 MAREANO seabed mapping program. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time MAREANO employs uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology for data collection. Fugro plans to utilize its newly developed 18-meter Blue Eclipse® USV for this purpose. The adoption of this innovative technology aims to promote lower carbon emissions in seabed mapping while ensuring the acquisition of high-quality data essential for the responsible management and preservation of Norway’s marine resources.

fugro usv seabed mapping
RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

inJoin the RobotToday community on LinkedIn

Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.