Boeing is set to expand its seabed-to-space autonomous capabilities with the acquisition of Liquid Robotics, a market leader in autonomous maritime systems and developer of the Wave Glider ocean surface robot.
Image credit: www.liquid-robotics.com
Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the acquisition – subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions – will see Liquid Robotics become a subsidiary of Boeing operating under its current business model and reporting to Kory Mathews, vice president of Autonomous Systems for Defense, Space & Security.
“With Liquid Robotics’ innovative technology and Boeing’s leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions, we are helping our customers address maritime challenges in ways that make existing platforms smarter, missions safer and operations more efficient,” Ms Caret added.
Liquid Robotics has been manufacturing the Wave Glider – the first wave and solar-powered autonomous ocean robot – since its founding in 2007.
The Wave Glider has since travelled more than 1 million nautical miles, addressing the challenges facing defense, commercial and science customers by making ocean data collection and communications easier, safer and immediate.
Approximately two years ago, the two companies entered into a collaboration deal to work on a version of the Wave Glider in order to enhance its capabilities.
The collaboration has resulted in the development of the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC), which is used for data collection, surveillance and acoustic monitoring.
Integrated with Boeing’s advanced sensors, the SHARC connects intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities ranging from satellites to manned and unmanned aircraft to sub-surface crafts.
“I am proud of our team, culture, and relentless commitment to designing the best ocean surface robot in the maritime industry,” said Gary Gysin, president and CEO of Liquid Robotics.
“This acquisition allows us to leverage the strengths of one of the world’s leading global companies while continuing to push our innovation to new levels.”
