Underwater Robot Networks: Skana Robotics Connects the Fleet for Enhanced Maritime Security
The potential of underwater autonomous vessels and robots is rapidly gaining recognition, particularly in defense and commercial applications. However, a significant hurdle has historically limited their effectiveness: reliable, long-range underwater communication. Traditional methods necessitate surfacing, exposing submersibles to risk. Skana Robotics, an Israeli startup, believes it has cracked the code with a novel AI-powered communication system for underwater robot networks, offering a breakthrough in secure and persistent underwater operations. This isn't about leveraging the hype around large language models; it's a return to foundational AI principles for a specific, critical need.
The Challenge of Underwater Communication
Maintaining communication with and between underwater vehicles is a complex undertaking. Water absorbs electromagnetic waves, making radio frequency communication impractical beyond very short distances. Acoustic communication, while viable, suffers from limitations in bandwidth, range, and susceptibility to noise and interference. These challenges are amplified when dealing with a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operating in a coordinated manner. Without robust communication, these vehicles operate in isolation, severely limiting their collective intelligence and operational capabilities.
The need for secure and reliable underwater communication is particularly acute given the increasing geopolitical tensions and the growing importance of protecting critical underwater infrastructure. The war in Ukraine has dramatically increased maritime threat levels, driving demand for advanced underwater surveillance and security solutions. This has created a significant market opportunity for companies like Skana Robotics.
Skana Robotics and SeaSphere: A New Approach
Tel Aviv-based Skana Robotics has developed a groundbreaking capability integrated into its fleet management software, SeaSphere. This system enables groups of underwater vessels to communicate with each other over extended distances, entirely underwater, utilizing a specialized AI algorithm. Unlike current trends focusing on large language models, Skana’s approach leverages older, mathematically-driven AI techniques.
How SeaSphere Works: Prioritizing Explainability and Predictability
According to Teddy Lazebnik, an AI scientist and professor at the University of Haifa and the lead researcher behind this innovation, the team deliberately avoided the latest AI technologies. “The new algorithms have two properties: they are more powerful, but as a result, are less predictable,” Lazebnik explained to GearTech. “Hypothetically, you’re paying in the performance or the “wow effect” of this algorithm, but the older ones, you gain explainability, predictability and actually generality.”
This focus on explainability and predictability is crucial for mission-critical applications. In underwater environments, where real-time decision-making is paramount, understanding *why* an AI system made a particular choice is as important as the decision itself. The SeaSphere system allows vessels to share data, interpret information from other robots, and autonomously adjust their course or task while remaining aligned with the overall fleet mission. This collaborative intelligence significantly enhances operational effectiveness.
Key Features of the SeaSphere System:
- Long-Range Underwater Communication: Enables reliable data exchange between AUVs without surfacing.
- Autonomous Adaptation: Allows individual units to react to real-time information and adjust their behavior.
- Fleet Coordination: Facilitates synchronized operations and shared situational awareness.
- Infrastructure Security: Provides capabilities for monitoring and protecting underwater assets.
- Supply Chain Protection: Enhances security for underwater supply routes.
Beyond Defense: Commercial Applications and Market Potential
While Skana Robotics is initially targeting government and defense clients, the potential applications of SeaSphere extend far beyond military operations. The system can be utilized in a variety of commercial sectors, including:
- Offshore Energy: Inspection and maintenance of underwater pipelines, platforms, and cables.
- Oceanographic Research: Collaborative data collection and analysis by multiple AUVs.
- Search and Rescue: Coordinated search efforts in challenging underwater environments.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tracking pollution, monitoring marine life, and assessing ocean health.
- Underwater Construction: Supporting and monitoring underwater construction projects.
The global underwater robotics market is experiencing significant growth. According to a recent report by Market Research Future, the market is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023. This growth is driven by increasing demand for underwater inspection, maintenance, and repair services, as well as the growing need for underwater security and surveillance.
Skana Robotics: From Stealth to Scale
Founded in 2024, Skana Robotics emerged from stealth mode earlier this year. The company is currently focused on securing contracts with governments and companies in Europe, capitalizing on the heightened security concerns stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war. Idan Levy, co-founder and CEO of Skana Robotics, revealed to GearTech that the company is in advanced discussions for a substantial government contract, with an anticipated closing date by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, Skana Robotics plans to release a commercial version of SeaSphere in 2026, aiming to demonstrate the system’s scalability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. “We want to show we can use this in scale,” Lazebnik stated. “We argue that our software can handle complex maneuvers, etc. We want to show it. We claim we know how to manage an operation. We want admirals from EU and in EU countries to actually check this argument and see by themselves that we actually get results.”
The Future of Underwater Robot Networks
Skana Robotics’ approach to underwater communication represents a significant step forward in the development of truly autonomous underwater systems. By prioritizing explainability, predictability, and robust communication, SeaSphere is poised to unlock the full potential of underwater robot networks, enabling a new era of maritime security, exploration, and commercial innovation. The company’s focus on leveraging established AI principles, rather than chasing the latest trends, demonstrates a pragmatic and effective approach to solving a complex engineering challenge. As the demand for underwater capabilities continues to grow, Skana Robotics is well-positioned to become a leading provider of intelligent underwater fleet management solutions.
The success of Skana Robotics will likely spur further innovation in the field, driving down costs and improving the performance of underwater communication systems. This, in turn, will accelerate the adoption of underwater robotics across a wider range of industries, transforming the way we interact with and understand the underwater world.