ecoSUB Robotics
"Where we lead others follow"
UK-based, NOC-linked maker of low-cost portable AUVs (500m-2,500m rated) for scientific, defense, and oil & gas underwater survey missions.
ecoSUB Robotics is a UK-based developer and manufacturer of small, low-cost, portable autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), operating as a division of Planet Ocean Limited and working out of the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre at the National Oceanography Centre. The ecoSUB program began in 2015 under an Innovate UK and DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)-funded project, initially producing the ecoSUBu micro-AUV for simple unmanned launch-and-recovery survey work; commercial production vehicles became available in 2020. The company's product range now spans the ecoSUBu5 micro-AUV and the ecoSUBm5 and ecoSUBm25 small-AUV platforms, rated to 500 m and 2,500 m depth respectively, alongside a Scout Series for survey work, a Science Series for research platforms, and a Hydrocarbon Sniffer Series aimed at oil and gas leak-detection applications. Onboard software includes the ecoSUB C3 graphical control interface for mission planning and data management and the Hermes C3 communications and control system, while navigation is supported by USBL (ultra-short baseline) and acoustic localization alongside network localization technology, an evolution from the platform's original simpler dead-reckoning navigation. The vehicles were designed specifically to lower the cost and logistical barriers of deploying underwater autonomous systems, enabling smaller research teams and commercial operators to run multi-vehicle missions without the large support vessels and crews typically required by bigger AUVs. Reported users and collaborators include the British Antarctic Survey, BP, the Royal Navy, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and multiple academic institutions, reflecting use across scientific research, defense, and oil and gas commercial operations. In July 2026, ecoSUB Robotics took part in the Smart Sound Connect underwater multi-robot demonstration, showcasing coordinated operation of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles. As a division of Planet Ocean Limited (a UK company registered under company number 4831755), ecoSUB Robotics benefits from its parent's marine technology and instrumentation background while focusing specifically on compact, field-deployable AUV hardware and the associated mission-planning and navigation software needed to operate small vehicle fleets.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
ecoSUBµ5 Micro-AUV
Compact 500m-rated micro-AUV, 925mm long, 4kg, up to 8-hour endurance and 20km range for ocean survey.
ecoSUBm25 Small-AUV
2,500m-rated small AUV, 1m long, 12kg, up to 18-hour endurance and 65km range for oceanographic and seabed survey.
ecoSUB Hydrocarbon Sniffer Series
AUV series with fluorometer and sensor payloads for detecting crude oil in water for offshore oil and gas monitoring.
Contact ecoSUB Robotics
WEBSITE
https://www.ecosub.uk/PHONE
+44 (0)333 800 8818HEADQUARTERS
United Kingdom
Company Facts
Founded
2015
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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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
Njord Survey Selects Sonardyne Navigation for ecoSUB AUVs
Swedish innovator Njord Survey has selected Sonardyne's advanced navigation technology to enhance the capabilities of its ecoSUB Robotics autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This collaboration aims to revolutionize subsea survey operations, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. The integration of Sonardyne's technology is expected to take place in the coming months, with the goal of improving data accuracy and operational efficiency in underwater surveys. By leveraging cutting-edge navigation solutions, Njord Survey seeks to address the growing demand for sustainable and precise subsea exploration methods.
njord survey sonardyne navigation ecosub auvs
