Cellula Robotics Ltd. has officially opened a new UK office to expand its capacity for delivering long-range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems and integrated subsea solutions across Europe.
The move formalizes the company’s regional presence and provides a dedicated base for in-country collaboration, project planning, and operational support. Announced during Oceanology International in London, the new office is designed to support defense, security, survey, and environmental customers through localized trials coordination and program execution.
Neil Manning, Chief Executive Officer at Cellula Robotics, said, “Establishing a UK office is a practical step that strengthens how we support customers and programmes in Europe. We’re building local capability that reflects the realities of subsea operations, from defence requirements to offshore delivery, and ensuring we can respond quickly with the right technical and operational expertise on the ground.”
The UK-based team is led by Chief Commercial Officer Richard Mills, who oversees regional growth and customer engagement. The leadership group includes specialists with backgrounds in military maritime patrol, offshore research and development, and strategic ocean technology communications.
Saxon Jones joins as AUV Operations and Trials Manager, bringing experience from RAF maritime patrol operations and commercial offshore projects, including pipe and cable surveys and decommissioning programs. His background connects vehicle integration with real-world offshore execution.
Kira Coley, appointed as Head of Marketing & Communications, provides strategic leadership in ocean science and technology. Her previous roles include advisory positions for IOC-UNESCO and the UN Ocean Decade, as well as editorial leadership for a prominent ocean trade publication. She will focus on aligning stakeholders across the defense, government, and research communities.
The team also includes Oliver Morris as Customer Success and Delivery Manager. With a career spanning UK defense procurement and systems integration, Morris previously served as the UK Operational Co-ordination Officer in OCCAR and spent eight years in DE&S. His expertise includes seabed data analysis for defense applications and the development of mine hunting capabilities.
“Ollie understands what is required to deliver a defence capability – strengthening Cellula’s ability to support defence customers through programme delivery and successfully integrate capability,” the company noted regarding the appointment.
The expansion allows Cellula to provide more direct assistance for persistent subsea operations.
The UK team is currently showcasing these capabilities at Booth C601 during the Oceanology International conference in London, held from 10-12 March 2026.
