Ray Systems & NOC Partner to Accelerate Bio-Inspired Underwater Propulsion

UK-based robotics developer Ray Systems has partnered with the National Oceanography Centre to accelerate the transition from propeller-based propulsion to bio-inspired fin systems in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).

Ray Systems designs AUVs built around two core technologies: RayDrive, an oscillating-fin propulsion system, and NelsonOS, an autonomy operating system co-designed for GPS-denied and communications-denied environments. By taking inspiration from how marine life moves rather than relying on propeller-based designs, Ray Systems says its vehicles are quieter, more efficient and more manoeuvrable than conventional designs.

Through its membership in the National Oceanography Centre’s Innovation Hub in Southampton—a purpose-built facility launched in 2025 following a £200,000 investment—the company gains access to specialist engineering and testing facilities, oceanographic data, scientific expertise and sector networks to support development of RayDrive and NelsonOS.

James Farha, Co-founder and CEO of Ray Systems, commented, “Nature doesn’t make propellers, and neither will the ocean economy of the future. To get there quickly and prove it rigorously, you need the right environment around you. The NOC is exactly that environment. Its facilities, its data and its people are among the best in the world, and being part of the Innovation Hub lets us test harder, learn faster and connect with the wider community that’s building the blue economy. It’s a step-change in the pace at which we can bring fin-based propulsion to market.”

Mark Hamson, Innovation Hub Manager at the National Oceanography Centre, added, “Our mission at the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation by creating connections between industry and science, and Ray Systems is a perfect example of the kind of ambitious, technology-led company we exist to support.

“Their bio-inspired approach to underwater propulsion has real potential to advance marine autonomous systems and the wider blue economy. By giving them access to our facilities, our expertise and our networks, we can help accelerate their journey from promising technology to fielded capability — and that’s exactly what a world-class innovation ecosystem should do.”

The collaboration supports Ray Systems’ development of bio-inspired underwater technology, with the NOC Innovation Hub providing testing facilities, scientific expertise and sector connections as the company scales its fin-based platform across commercial maritime applications.