Marine Robotics: Investigating the Future and Beyond at Deep Sea

Published Date : 27 October 2025

Posted by : Sanya Mehra

Humanity has made enormous progress in space travel; we have landed rovers on Mars, set foot on the moon, and looked into the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Our oceans, however, continue to be a huge and enigmatic frontier here on Earth. These vast amounts of water, which cover three-fourths of the Earth's surface, constitute the lifeblood of our planet, supporting countless livelihoods, sustaining the climate, and providing oxygen and food.

Yet, the overwhelming pressure of some 15 pounds per square inch at the deepest ocean points makes manned exploration a virtually insurmountable task. In a universe where we cannot defend that which we do not comprehend, fewer than 10% of our oceans are protected as marine protected areas (MPAs). To chart these unknown lands and unravel their mysteries, we are ever more relying on advances in modern technology, with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) at the forefront. Marine robotics is investigating whether this new technology is the solution to finally being able to venture into the deep oceans.

Challenges of Marine Exploration

Despite the beauty of the deep ocean, penetrating it is a singular and difficult challenge. Similar to space exploration, the marine environment calls for high-tech solutions. The colossal pressure and subzero temperatures at the ocean's deepest regions necessitate designing highly robust, waterproof containers for marine power and equipment. Even more significant are the operations, power, and communications systems that present some of the biggest challenges. Research from the Journal of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles states that AUVs must be provided with power sources that are energy-efficient, and scientists are considering substitutes such as fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries to energize long-range operations.

Current and Future Advancements and Applications in Marine Robotics

Extensive research and developments are driving advancements in the maritime robotics industry, which in turn supports a wide range of applications across several industries.

Clean-up of the Ocean

Robotic tools are revolutionizing the global fight against ocean pollution. Autonomous surface vessels, including the WasteShark, developed by Dutch business RanMarine Technology, are capable of collecting over 400 kg of waste from the ocean's surface. The remote-controlled Jellyfishbot from the French company IADYS effectively cleans up oil spills and plastic debris from inaccessible harbor areas. With their System 03, a massive floating barrier that converges the plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, non-governmental organizations like The Ocean Clean-up have pushed it even farther. One of their initiatives, supported by the UN Ocean Decade, is The Ocean Clean-up, which works with governments to provide scientific and technological data to support decisions.

Education and Conservation of the Marine Environment

The Liquid Robotics Wave Glider from the Boeing Company can collect vital data about ocean conditions while sailing for a whole year on a single mission. Humanoid sub-sea robots like Stanford University's OceanOne may investigate fragile coral reefs and even retrieve artifacts from wrecks, as they did with the shipwreck La Lune from the 17th century, for compelling research. Besides, specialized research programs increasingly utilize marine robotics. To observe marine life and investigate the impacts of tidal energy devices, the Scottish Marine Robotics Facility, for instance, created "Drifting Ears," low-cost mobile sound recorders that eavesdrop on underwater sound.

Locating Lost Objects and Examining the Seabed

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are important for high-risk operations, such as search and rescue and finding lost objects. For instance, the US Navy has used unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for some time to detect and destroy underwater mines, work that would be much longer for manned divers. The Navy itself has progressed in its capabilities at a similar rate, using sub-based vehicles such as the HII Yellow Moray (REMUS 600) UUV to sweep important undersea infrastructure and conduct seabed combat missions. In an indication of the increased use of these technologies in operating fleets, the Navy has even started an underwater city training program for its UUVs to teach operators confidence in this technology.

Examination of Infrastructure, Vessels, and Pipelines

Another important application for marine robots is the maintenance of large, historic underwater buildings. According to a study by the Technical University of Denmark, self-driving robotic vehicles can scan coastal ships day and night without the assistance of human surveyors, particularly in hazardous areas like ballast tanks. To enhance safety and simplify operations, unmanned surface vehicles, or USVs, are also being used to survey and inspect maritime structures, such as ports, bridges, and offshore oil and gas facilities, more and more. Autonomous ships equipped with sophisticated sonar and cameras can conduct detailed structural inspections to confirm the integrity of vital submerged infrastructure, including pipes and communications cables.

Marine Environment Monitoring and Underwater Photography

A fast and secure method of recording high-definition pictures and movies of aquatic life is through the use of marine robots. While scientists employ these vehicles for the study of ecosystems and the quality of water, commercial divers typically employ them to screen areas for safety purposes before a dive. With real-time, long-term surveillance being essential for environmental conservation efforts, specialized attachments on these robots can analyze water for pollutants, salinity levels, and other key measurement points.

Anti-Piracy

Maritime security is also one of the fields utilizing robotics. Equipped with advanced infrared cameras, anti-piracy robots are able to patrol maritime trade routes to detect and dissuade pirate attacks, employing a 24-hour watch capability that reduces the risk to human staff.

Developments of Marine Robotics in Selected Nations

Huge public and private investment is fuelling the competition for global domination in marine robots:

• A Proficient government has fostered South Korea's ascent to prominence. By 2028, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to invest USD 22.7 million in developing smart port technology, including autonomous transport vehicles and automated cargo handling equipment. This initiative is part of a larger ‘4th Master Plan for Intelligent Robot’ that aims to make Korea a global leader in robotics by more than quadrupling the size of its robotics industry by 2030.
• The German government is actively pooling its resources. Backed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) has been set up with the mission of linking the prime robotics hotspots across the nation. The RIG is focusing on fundamental clusters of research in AI-based robotics and working closely with industry to turn concepts into practical implementations and support Germany's technological leadership in this crucial area.
• The United Kingdom and Ireland are also taking over as leaders. In February 2025, the UK's National Oceanography Centre (NOC) announced its plan to construct one of the largest and most sophisticated fleets of Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) in the world with the aid of more than £26 million in government funding. Next-generation autonomous cars that can live in the ocean, even under ice, are being developed thanks to this funding, which is made possible by the UK's Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.