Maritime Robotics’ uncrewed surface vehicles enable autonomous ocean monitoring

Many ocean industries and other applications are reliant on precise mapping and monitoring of the seabed, and gathering of data on temperature, meteorological conditions, ocean currents, geological features, fish stocks, and much more.

Traditional surface vessels may, however, have difficulty reaching survey locations. There is also an inherent risk to the safety of onboard personnel, while the cost of maintaining and manning vessels is high. Moreover, these vessels typically run on diesel fuel.

Maritime Robotics has developed a family of sea drones and a dedicated vehicle control station (VCS).

The Otter and Otter X are portable, easily deployable USVs for bathymetric surveys in sheltered waters such as small lakes, canals, rivers, ponds and harbour areas.

The Otter and Otter X can be equipped with a variety of customer-defined sensors for seabed and environmental mapping, and can be controlled via Maritime Robotics’ VCS or a mobile phone app.

The Mariner and Mariner X are larger USVs with a stable, durable construction designed for harsher weather conditions and offshore waters. The Mariner and Mariner X, meanwhile, can be delivered with a diesel-electric propulsion system with a water jet and electric thrusters.The Mariner and Mariner X have a large payload room and can be equipped with a variety of surface and sub-surface sensors. They are controlled via the VCS.

Maritime Robotics’ VCS features electronic charts, engine and navigation information, and has several control modes. The system allows for live monitoring of sensor data quality parameters and visualisation of actual data. Sensor parameters can also be adjusted in the VCS.

Maritime Robotics’ USVs can be operated remotely from a ship or from land. Both the Otter and the Mariner can be used for geophysical and hydrographic surveys, environmental assessment and monitoring, aquaculture, defence applications and harbour security.

The uncrewed design enables surveys to be carried out more easily, and eliminates risks associated with onboard personnel.

The USVs are also environment friendly. The Otter and Otter X are equipped with electric thrusters powered by four powerful, easily interchangeable and hot swappable battery packs.

The Mariner and Mariner X, meanwhile, can be delivered with a diesel-electric propulsion system with a water jet and electric thrusters.

Uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) are suitable for use in nearly all ocean industries, as well as for defence and security, ocean mapping, offshore energy, water quality monitoring, marine research and many other applications.

The global USV market was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 2.5 billion in 2026 to USD 3.55 billion by 2034.