Autonomous Underwater Robots Take Leap With Groundbreaking Partnership

Nauticus Robotics and Leidos have joined forces to revolutionize the field of autonomous underwater robots. The Texas-based company will leverage its expertise in commercial subsea vehicle development, including its flagship Aquanaut robot and proprietary software ToolKITT, while Leidos will bring its cutting-edge autonomy software and vast experience in unmanned technologies.

Leidos has been instrumental in advancing maritime operations through the development of autonomous ships, unmanned systems, and other innovations that enhance safety and efficiency. The company’s 48,000 global employees have contributed to annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Leidos, further solidifying our commitment to pioneering subsea autonomy,” stated John Yamokoski, chief technology officer and vice president of defense at Nauticus Robotics. This collaboration underscores the companies’ shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in this field.

The newly forged alliance aims to accelerate the commercialization of Aquanaut, a robot capable of operating autonomously or remotely controlled by users, depending on customer needs. Equipped with advanced sensors and versatile tools, Aquanaut can tackle diverse underwater tasks, including managing aquaculture projects, repairing oil pipelines, and scanning seabeds.

Nauticus Robotics secured $12 million in its second tranche of investment in 2024, enabling the company to expedite the commercialization of its flagship product. This funding also facilitated the completion of deployment milestones, including Aquanaut Mark 2 qualification and initial 2024 Gulf of Mexico field survey work for Shell.

The partnership will see Nauticus testing and certifying a new generation of vehicles designed to reduce operational costs while gathering data to maintain and operate various subsea infrastructure. This strategic collaboration promises to further accelerate the development of autonomous underwater robots, paving the way for more efficient and effective exploration of our oceans.

Nauticus Robotics’ collaboration with Leidos is poised to drive significant progress in the field of subsea autonomy as the world continues to rely on innovative technologies to navigate complex challenges.