Nauticus Robotics Partners with FAU to Advance Testing of Aquanaut Mark 2 Underwater Vehicle

Nauticus Robotics, a U.S.-based developer specializing in subsea autonomous robotic systems, has partnered with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to advance testing of its flagship underwater vehicle, Aquanaut Mark 2.

This collaboration will leverage FAU’s facilities, including their Institute for Ocean and Systems Engineering in Dania Beach, to conduct extensive testing in both protected and deeper Atlantic waters.

The partnership is strategically timed to take advantage of the ideal testing conditions offered by FAU. The testing will occur in various environments: protected waters for product development and open waters for comprehensive sea trials.

Daniel Dehart, Nauticus Robotics’ Vice President of Field Operations, emphasized that FAU’s facilities have significantly accelerated Aquanaut’s technology development, preparing it for commercial deployment.

Nauticus estimates that this collaboration will lead to about 90% savings on vehicle development testing costs. This significant reduction is achieved by utilizing FAU’s resources instead of relying on more expensive ocean-going vessels.

The partnership allows for both tethered and tetherless missions, crucial for testing the vehicle’s functionality and simulating its operational capabilities in different water depths.

Looking ahead, Nauticus plans to continue its testing activities with FAU, transitioning from current tests to commercial operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The first Aquanaut vehicle is nearing the end of its final testing phase and will soon be deployed for commercial use. Meanwhile, a second Aquanaut vehicle is expected to take its place at FAU for ongoing development and enhancement.

The ongoing collaboration reflects Nauticus’ commitment to refining its technology while managing costs effectively. The successful testing at FAU is a critical step towards full-scale commercial deployment, with future developments anticipated as the technology matures and additional capabilities are integrated into the Aquanaut system.