Underwater Robotics Market Analysis

Global Underwater Robotics Market Overview

Underwater Robotics Market Size was valued at USD 3.07 Billion in 2023. The Underwater Robotics industry is projected to grow from USD 3.60 Billion in 2024 to USD 12.81 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.20% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Rising need for continuous surveillance at submerged ocean areas, increasing demand for underwater robots from military & defense vertical, and increase in use of underwater robotics by the oil & gas industry to increase the safety of the workers are the key market drivers boosting the growth of the Underwater Robotics market.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Underwater Robotics Market Trends

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  Technical Advancements in Sensors And Imaging System.

  
  

Recent years have seen a significant increase in interest in underwater study due to the richness of minerals and other vital resources. With the use of contemporary electronic oceanographic instruments, scientists are now able to see the lowest points in the ocean. Researchers can measure and record the deep-sea environment and tidal data by using electronic equipment with low-power, precise, and delicate sensors to gather vital data. Currently, underwater robots are able to dive and navigate down to 6,000 meters below the surface of the ocean. However, extremely sophisticated sensors and imaging systems are needed to carry out deep-sea scientific activities. This has given underwater robot manufacturers the chance to design and integrate extremely sophisticated sensor modules and imaging systems into their products. The common types of sensors used in underwater robotics, such as A compass (gyrocompass or magnetic) estimates magnetic north; The inertial measurement unit (IMU) measures the vehicle's linear acceleration and angular velocity. Water pressure and depth are measured via the depth sensor. Forward-looking sonar identifies the existence of obstructions as well as the distance from the seafloor. Estimates of vehicle velocity relative to the seafloor and relative water motion from Doppler velocity logs (DVLs) A global positioning system (GPS) is a navigation system that uses satellites to determine the location of a vehicle. Acoustic positioning: uses acoustics to establish the vehicle's position; and Vision systems (cameras) perform activities such as pipeline visual tracking, station keeping, visual serving, and picture mosaicking. 

Underwater Robotics Market Segment Insights:

Underwater Robotics Type Insights

Based on type, the Underwater Robotics Market segmentation includes Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). The Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) held the majority share in 2022, contributing around ~78.1% to the market revenue. An underwater vehicle known as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is usually tethered to a ship using a tether management system (TMS) and several cables. Remote vehicle navigation is made possible by these cables, which transfer command and control signals between the operator and the ROV. This underwater robot is uninhabited and fitted with sampling instruments and sensors to gather several kinds of data. This apparatus finds numerous uses in the oil and gas sector, such as subsea structural examination and maintenance, FPSO rigs, hull examination and cleansing, knowledge of hull and vertical structures, examination of submerged structures, and hydraulic dams.

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) holds the largest market share in the underwater robotics industry for several reasons such as ROVs are highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications. They are capable of performing intricate tasks such as underwater inspections, repairs, maintenance, and data collection. Their versatility makes them suitable for various industries, including oil and gas, marine research, defense, and offshore industries. ROV technology has been around for several decades and has undergone significant advancements. These vehicles have a well-established track record in the industry and are widely used by companies and organizations for underwater operations. The reliability and proven performance of ROVs have contributed to their dominant market share. ROVs are designed to operate at different depths, ranging from shallow waters to extreme depths in the ocean. They can withstand high pressure and harsh environmental conditions, allowing them to explore and work in deep-sea environments where human divers cannot reach. The ability to operate at various depths gives ROVs a significant advantage over other underwater robotic systems.

FIGURE 2: UNDERWATER ROBOTICS MARKET, BY TYPE, 2022 VS 2032 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Underwater Robotics Category Insights

Based on category, the Underwater Robotics Market segmentation includes Lightweight/Man portable, Heavy-Weight, and Extra Large. The Heavy-Weight held the majority share in 2022. Heavyweight autonomous underwater vehicles are used for longer operations that need for endurances of 40–80 hours. They usually weigh between 5,000 and 10,000 kg. Large underwater robots carry out similar tasks to the smaller classes but on a larger and longer scale. They are either launched from a submarine or deployed by crane. One excellent example of a versatile large-diameter underwater robot is Boeing Defense's Echo Ranger, a 5,000 kg rectangular underwater robot that resembles a small whale. A Boeing datasheet states that the Echo Ranger has an active seawater ballast and trim system that enables it to self-stabilize to a maximum depth of 10,000 feet and can carry weights of up to 250 kg.

The US Navy is currently developing a large new diameter unmanned underwater vehicle (LDUUV), which was produced between 2021 and 2022. According to a 2015 report published in the International Journal of Advanced Research in Artificial Intelligence, the goal of the LDUUV project is to "conduct missions longer than 70 days in open ocean and littoral seas, being fully autonomous, long-endurance, land-launched with advanced sensing for littoral environments.

Underwater Robotics Application Insights

Based on application, the Underwater Robotics Market segmentation includes Search and Salvage, Archaeology and Exploration, Survey, Inspection, Security, Surveillance, Environmental Assessment, and Others. The Security held the majority share in 2022. Port security frequently uses underwater robotics. The robot's original purpose was to check for fractures in nuclear reactor water tanks. However, it may also check ships for the false propeller shafts and hulls that smugglers frequently use to hide illegal goods. The robots' diminutive size and special propulsion system, which leaves no apparent wake, might theoretically allow them to be concealed amid clumps of algae or other forms of camouflage. They may swarm over ships in port in large numbers without warning smugglers or permitting them to evacuate their goods.

Underwater Robotics Depth Capacity Insights

Based on depth capacity, the Underwater Robotics Market segmentation includes Less than 1000 Mts, 1000 Mts to 5000 Mts, and More than 5000 Mts. The 1000 Mts to 5000 Mts held the majority share in 2022. The robotic system is designed and manufactured to withstand the stresses and climatic conditions that are commonly encountered within a depth range of 1000 to 5000 meters. The robot's design, materials, and parts would be chosen with its performance and integrity at depths of up to 5000 meters in mind. Such depths are beyond the capabilities of most underwater robotic systems, and in order to ensure their viability for deep sea research or other demanding applications, these systems must undergo extensive testing and engineering.

Underwater Robotics End User Insights

Based on end user, the Underwater Robotics Market segmentation includes Commercial Exploration, Defense & Security, and Scientific & Academic Research. The Commercial Exploration held the majority share in 2022. ICE vehicles are powered by traditional internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline or diesel. The growth of the ICE subsegment is attributed to the continued dominance of ICE vehicles in the global automotive market. BBW systems offer improved braking performance, responsiveness, and control, contributing to overall vehicle safety and performance.

Underwater Robotics Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of world. The Asia pacific Underwater Robotics market accounted for ~33.9% in 2022. the region's large Underwater Robotics industries, as well as the growing popularity of Automation and underwater research. The use of Underwater Robotics is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as companies seek to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in their material handling and transportation operations.

The Asia Pacific is the dominant region in the market due to the expanding use of underwater robotics in Défense and oil & gas exploration activities in nations like China, Japan, South Korea, and India, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to develop over the projection period. For sophisticated military, commercial, and scientific needs such surveillance, intelligence, mine countermeasures, investigation, oceanography, communication/navigation, and anti-submarine warfare, governments in a number of Asia-Pacific nations have been investing in this technology.

Europe is the second dominant region in the market due to increasing offshore oil and gas exploration activities in several countries of the region. To collect production data quickly, oil and gas companies in Europe are deploying robotics automation technologies, like underwater robotics, in their offshore operations. Organizations can optimize dispatch and routes by eliminating trips to oil and gas sites by implementing automation, which allows for remote data collection. The energy sector in the UK is growing and demanding the underwater robots to be installed as these robots have widespread construction, maintenance, and engineering applications in the energy and telecom sectors. The companies of the UK, such as Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd and BAE Systems PLC, have a presence in the underwater robotics market across the globe by which the profit gets added to the country’s economy. Also, The Maritime Robotics Laboratory at the University of Southampton is working on technologies to develop the next generation of ocean robots, which will increase the understanding of the oceans, capable of exploring locations that are too dangerous or remote for manned vehicles.

FIGURE 3: UNDERWATER ROBOTICS MARKET SIZE BY REGION 2022 VS 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, and Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Middle East & Africa, South America.

Due to the US Navy's increased use of UAVs for security and surveillance as well as the oil and gas industry's use of them for oil field exploration, North America is one of the major regions for the underwater robotics market. The region's oil and gas sector also use underwater robotics as inspection robots. These robots are designed and used to survey, monitor, and examine the oil and gas industry. The North American area is leading the underwater robotics market due to the growing use of intelligent robotics in the oil and gas industry and the Navy. The global market is significantly populated by regional firms including Deep Ocean Engineering, Inc., Bluefin Robotics, and Schilling Robotics, LLC. The adoption of automation in mining and water treatment, metals & minerals processing, and bio-industries are some of the factors responsible for market growth. Additionally, the presence of various underwater robots operating companies in the country is also fuelling the growth of the market. Some of the players, such as International Submarine Engineering Ltd and Inuktun Services Ltd, are contributing significantly to the market in Canada.

Underwater Robotics Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

With a strong presence across different verticals and geographies, the Underwater Robotics market is highly competitive and dominated by established, pure-play vendors. The vendors cater to this market, and they continually innovate their solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses by adopting new technologies. These vendors have a robust geographic footprint and partner ecosystem to cater to diverse customer segments. The Underwater Robotics market is highly competitive, with many vendors offering similar products and services.

The major players in the market include Deep Ocean Engineering, Inc., Bluefin Robotics Corporation (General Dynamics Mission Systems), Eca Group (Exail), Oceaneering International, Inc., Saab AB (Saab Seaeye Limited), Schilling Robotics, LLC (TechnipFMC plc), and Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. Industries Corporation constantly takes on new challenges to ensure the stability of its management foundation by extending its reach into business fields such as engine production, vehicle assembly, and the development and production of lift trucks and car air-conditioning compressors. It concentrates on broadening its product offerings to reach new audiences in the global market.

The Underwater Robotics Market is consolidated, increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers, and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the Underwater Robotics market include.

• Deep Ocean Engineering, Inc.


• Bluefin Robotics Corporation (General Dynamics Mission Systems)


• Eca Group (Exail)


• Oceaneering International, Inc.


• Saab AB (Saab Seaeye Limited)


• Schilling Robotics, LLC (TechnipFMC plc)


• Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.


• Konsberg


• Fugro


• ATLAS MARIDAN Aps (thyssenkrupp)


• International Submarine Engineering


• Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd.


• Shandong Future Robot Co., Ltd


• Nauticus Robotics


• Deep Trekker Inc. (Halma)

Underwater Robotics Industry Developments

On October 10, 2023, Eddyfi Technologies, which is a leading company in advanced robotic solutions, introduced VersaTrax™; the revolutionary robots for inspection crawlers. These adaptable robots are about to change the face of industrial inspections by providing precision, adaptability and safety in difficult environments.

In May 2023, IAI AND ATLAS ELEKTRONIK officially unveiled their fresh collaboration designed for advanced anti-submarine warfare missions (AWS). This state-of-the-art system is based on ELTA's BlueWhale modern autonomous underwater multi-mission platform, which is an unmanned undersea vehicle fitted with a cutting-edge sensor system. Furthermore, this innovative process incorporates ATLAS ELEKTRONIK's unique towed passive sonar triplet array, improving its ASW capabilities significantly.

DeepOcean tested its first Autonomous Inspection Drone (AID) for offshore wind farms and other oil and gas assets in April 2023. After installation on board the subsea IMR-ROV support vessel Edda Fauna of Deep Ocean it will undergo sea trials during the next months.

Subsea robots Aquanauts and Hydronauts from Nauticus Robotics in the US will go into "the wild" and approach full commercialization this year with planned testing in Norway and The Gulf of Mexico in January 2023.

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has delivered three Perry XLX-C work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) of 200HP each to OceanPact, a Brazilian firm in January 2023. They were manufactured at FET factory at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire UK.They will be installed onboard two OceanPact vessels to support inspection-repair-maintenance services for Petrobras' oilfields.

 In June  2020, At its premises last week, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, the defense company of Germany and world market leader in conventional submarines, presented results from a ground-breaking research project on large modular underwater vehicles with respect to their feasibility, usability, construction and operation. The presentation was part of the "Maritime Research Programme," whereby the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supports the development of innovative maritime technologies.

In March 30 2020,  ECA Group (Groupe Gorgé) announced its supply of Lithuanian Navy with its underwater robot K-STER which is an efficient ROV solution for mine counter measures at sea.

Governments across the globe are investing in this technology for advanced military applications, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, investigation, mine hunting or countermeasure systems, oceanology services, communication/navigation systems, as well as anti-submarine warfare, among others. For instance, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) signed a $4.6m contract with BAE Systems in July 2017 to develop an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) that could complement manned submarines and detect targets by sonar ping.

Underwater Robotics Market Segmentation

Underwater Robotics Type Outlook

• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)


• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV)

Underwater Robotics Category Outlook

• Lightweight/Man portable


• Heavy-Weight


• Extra Large

Underwater Robotics Application Outlook

• Search and Salvage


• Archaeology and Exploration


• Survey


• Inspection


• Security


• Surveillance


• Environmental Assessment


• Others

Underwater Robotics Depth Capacity Outlook

• Less than 1000 Mts


• 1000 Mts to 5000 Mts


• More than 5000 Mts

Underwater Robotics End User Outlook

• Commercial Exploration


• Defense & Security


• Scientific & Academic Research

Underwater Robotics Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of world
  
  
  
  • Middle East & Africa
  
  
  • South America
  
  
  • rest of the world