Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS)

Autonomous marine systems enable unmanned vessels to navigate, operate, and perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. These systems integrate cutting-edge technologies such as inertial navigation systems (INS), marine autopilots, and advanced autonomy software to enhance positioning, navigation, propulsion, and collision avoidance. From remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) conducting subsea inspections to autonomous surface and underwater vessels supporting defense, commercial shipping, and ocean exploration, these innovations are revolutionizing how we interact with the marine environment. As advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics continue, autonomous marine systems are set to redefine the future of maritime operations.

Suppliers

Add your company
Cellula Robotics

Innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Solutions for Subsea Survey, Science & Security Applications

Teledyne Marine

High-Performance Instruments, Sensors & Technologies for Exploring & Monitoring Subsea Environments

Advanced Navigation

High-Accuracy Inertial Sensors & Acoustic Positioning Systems for Marine, Maritime & Offshore Applications

Greensea IQ

Cutting-Edge Ocean Robotics And Open Architecture Software Solutions

IQUA Robotics

Next-generation autonomous underwater vehicles for inspection and reconnaissance

Open Ocean Robotics

Reliable Solar-Powered USVs for Real-Time Oceanographic & Maritime Data Acquisition

Autonomous Maritime Solutions

Consultancy Services for the Integration of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) & AI Technologies for Marine Operations

CHC Navigation

Professional Marine Survey Solutions for Ultra-Efficient Hydrographic, Bathymetric & Hydrological Data Collection

Del Mar Oceanographic

Wave-Powered Rapid Vertical Profiling System for Accurate Water Column Observation

Maritime Robotics

Innovative Autonomy & Uncrewed Vessel Technologies for Maritime Operations

SatLab Geosolutions

Cutting-Edge Surveying, Positioning & Sensing Solutions for Hydrographic & Oceanographic Applications

AGISTAR

Robotic & Remote-Controlled Solutions for Waste Collection, Rescue Operations, & Aquatic Data Collection

Boxfish Robotics

Cutting-Edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Underwater Resident Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

Showcase your capabilities

If you design, build or supply Autonomous Marine Systems, create a profile to showcase your capabilities on this page

Create Supplier Profile

Products

Porter AUV

Extra-large AUV for long-range survey & payload deployment

Extra-large AUV for long-range survey & payload deployment
Porter is an extra-large AUV platform that can be powered by Li-ion battery or hydrogen fuel cell. I...
Guardian AUV

Extra-large AUV specialized for ISR, anti-submarine warfare & defense

Extra-large AUV specialized for ISR, anti-submarine warfare & defense
Guardian is an extra-large AUV platform that can be powered by Li-ion battery or hydrogen fuel cell....
Subsea Warden AUV

Hovering AUV with marine vessel signature measurement capabilities

Hovering AUV with marine vessel signature measurement capabilities
...suit different marine and subsea tasks, including acoustic and magnetic measurement tools,...
Envoy AUV

Versatile subsea robotic vehicle with configurable payload options

Versatile subsea robotic vehicle with configurable payload options
... magnetometry, marine archeology...
Hydrus Micro Hovering AUV

Miniature autonomous underwater vehicle benthic survey and point inspection

Miniature autonomous underwater vehicle benthic survey and point inspection
Hydrus is a highly compact and portable AUV that has been designed specifically to capture high-reso...
SPARUS II

Small hovering AUV for high-accuracy mapping, surveying & inspection

Small hovering AUV for high-accuracy mapping, surveying & inspection
......umber of different INS options from MEMS-based through to high-grade FOG systems....
GIRONA 500

Medium-sized hovering AUV for complex payload deployment

Medium-sized hovering AUV for complex payload deployment
...high-grade FOG systems....
DataXplorer™ Protect

Solar-powered USV for day- and nightime security & situational awareness

Solar-powered USV for day- and nightime security & situational awareness
... self-righting system for quick recovery, a shallow draft, and a robust keel design, the rugged...
DataXplorer™ USV

Long-endurance solar powered USV platforms for autonomous data collection

Long-endurance solar powered USV platforms for autonomous data collection
...he harshest of marine conditions. Featuring a patented self-righting system for quick recovery, a... ... a custom LARS system is available for easy launch and recovery at sea. A variety of communication...
CHCNAV Apache 4 USV

Versatile hydrographic & bathymetric survey USV with ADCP options

Versatile hydrographic & bathymetric survey USV with ADCP options
The Apache 4 is a highly versatile USV designed for efficient hydrographic, bathymetric, and hydrolo...
Wirewalker

Wave-Powered Rapid Vertical Profiling System

Wave-Powered Rapid Vertical Profiling System
...c sensors, the system enables unprecedented exploration and monitoring of ocean environments,...
HydroBoat 990

Single-operator USV with built-in echosounder

Single-operator USV with built-in echosounder
...ial navigation system, it delivers high-precision surveying capabilities with enhanced efficiency. ......r wave radar-based obstacle avoidance system for superior protection and performance in the...
BX-USV II

Lightweight autonomous surface vessel for multi-sensor aquatic operations

Lightweight autonomous surface vessel for multi-sensor aquatic operations
...ard propulsion system and autonomous navigation suite support precise control and high-efficiency... ...... is a mission-ready platform for field-based data acquisition across diverse marine environments....
Boxfish AUV

Tetherless hovering AUV for deep-water ecological monitoring & marine surveying

Tetherless hovering AUV for deep-water ecological monitoring & marine surveying
...e support both autonomous operation and optionally tethered, high-bandwidth cameras and sensors via...

Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS)

Sarah Simpson

Updated:

Autonomous marine systems are transforming ocean exploration, maritime operations, and naval applications by allowing unmanned surface and underwater vehicles to navigate and function with minimal human input.

The growing adoption of autonomous systems in the marine industry is driven by advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor fusion, making autonomous navigation more precise and reliable. These technologies play a crucial role in applications such as ocean exploration, offshore surveying, defense operations, and commercial shipping. From subsea inspections to deep-sea research, autonomous marine systems are at the forefront of maritime innovation.

Autonomous Marine/Maritime Platforms

Autonomous marine systems rely on a diverse range of unmanned platforms, each designed for specific maritime applications. These platforms enhance efficiency, reduce operational risks, and expand the capabilities of ocean exploration, defense, and commercial maritime operations.

Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS)

UMS is an umbrella term covering all unmanned marine platforms, including USVs, UUVs, AUVs, and ROVs. These systems are increasingly used in naval defense, commercial shipping, and oceanographic research to enhance operational capabilities while reducing costs and risks.

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)

USVs are autonomous or remotely controlled surface vessels used for a variety of applications, including naval surveillance, oceanographic research, and commercial shipping. These vessels are equipped with advanced navigation systems, autonomy software, and collision avoidance technology to operate safely in complex maritime environments.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

UUVs encompass both AUVs and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). These systems are used for underwater surveillance, mine detection, and pipeline inspections. UUVs are critical in naval operations and commercial industries that require detailed and accurate subsea data collection.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

AUVs are self-propelled underwater robots that operate without direct human control, making them ideal for deep-sea exploration, seabed mapping, and subsea inspections. Equipped with inertial navigation systems (INS) and advanced autonomy software, AUVs can perform extended missions in challenging underwater conditions.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

Unlike AUVs, ROVs are tethered to a surface vessel and operated remotely by human controllers. These vehicles are commonly used for underwater construction, oil and gas exploration, and deep-sea research. ROVs provide real-time data transmission and enhanced maneuverability for precise underwater tasks.

The continued advancement of maritime robotics and autonomy software is driving the development of more capable and intelligent unmanned platforms, shaping the future of autonomous marine operations.

Key Technologies in Autonomous Marine Systems

Autonomous navigation and positioning

Accurate navigation is fundamental to the operation of autonomous marine systems. Inertial navigation systems (INS), combined with GNSS/GPS and other sensor inputs, provide precise positioning even in challenging environments where satellite signals may be limited. These systems are essential for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and underwater vehicles, ensuring reliable navigation in both open waters and complex subsea environments.

Marine autopilots further enhance autonomous navigation by enabling precise course-keeping and maneuverability. These systems integrate with collision avoidance technologies to ensure safe operation, particularly in high-traffic maritime areas. Autonomous control systems continuously process environmental data to make real-time adjustments, optimizing routes and improving operational efficiency.

Propulsion and power systems

Reliable propulsion is critical for autonomous marine vehicles. Solar, battery, hybrid, and diesel-electric propulsion systems are commonly used in AUVs, UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles), and autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs). Advanced energy management solutions, such as fuel cells and renewable energy integration, are also being explored to extend operational endurance and reduce environmental impact.

Autonomy software and AI integration

Modern autonomous systems rely on sophisticated autonomy software and artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret sensor data, plan missions, and adapt to changing conditions. These software solutions enable real-time decision-making, allowing unmanned maritime systems to operate independently or in coordination with other autonomous vessels in a fleet. Autonomous fleet management solutions are increasingly being used in commercial and defense applications, streamlining operations for autonomous shipping and naval missions.

Applications of Autonomous Marine Systems

Defense and naval operations

Autonomous marine systems are transforming naval operations by providing advanced capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine countermeasures. USVs and UUVs are deployed for intelligence gathering, while autonomous surface vessels support unmanned logistics and resupply missions.

Commercial and industrial applications

In the commercial sector, autonomous vessels and cargo ships are being developed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs in global shipping. Autonomous cargo ships utilize advanced navigation systems and autonomy software to operate with minimal human oversight, enhancing safety and reducing fuel consumption.

Ocean exploration and scientific research

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) play a crucial role in deep-sea exploration, marine research, and subsea inspections. These robotic systems provide valuable data for marine science, helping researchers study ecosystems, map the ocean floor, and monitor climate change impacts.

The Future of Autonomous Marine Systems

As advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy software, and propulsion technology continue, autonomous marine systems will play an increasingly vital role in maritime operations. From enhancing ocean exploration to improving the efficiency of commercial shipping and naval missions, these systems are reshaping the future of maritime autonomy.

With ongoing developments in collision avoidance, autonomous navigation, and marine robotics, the evolution of unmanned maritime systems promises greater safety, sustainability, and operational effectiveness across the industry.

Related Articles

Seawork 2026 to Debut Autonomous & Remote-Operated Vessel Pavilion

Seawork 2026 will feature a new dedicated zone that will showcase uncrewed maritime systems and advanced control technologies to meet rising industry demand

Nov 07, 2025
Long-Range Autonomous USV Production Expands at ZeroUSV

ZeroUSV's new Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), available for purchase or charter, is designed for long-range missions in defence and commercial hydrography, utilizing electric-hybrid propulsion and advanced autonomous software

Nov 06, 2025
Profile Spotlight: Open Ocean Robotics for Autonomous Marine Data Collection

Open Ocean Robotics is presenting its solar-powered USVs on OST, providing reliable, zero-emission platforms for real-time oceanographic and maritime data acquisition across commercial, defense, and scientific applications

Nov 03, 2025
EUROCEAN Network Launches to Bolster European Ocean Autonomy & Testing

New collaboration links leading test arenas and innovation ecosystems across Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, and Croatia to accelerate ocean technology development

Oct 27, 2025
Boxfish Robotics Showcasing Autonomous Platforms at Upcoming Ocean Action Forum 2025

Boxfish Robotics is attending the Ocean Action Forum 2025 to demonstrate its Boxfish AUV and ARV-i autonomous platforms for marine conservation and infrastructure inspection, supporting the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Oct 24, 2025
Teledyne Marine & Rutgers Deploy Long-Endurance Glider for Global Research Voyage

Teledyne Marine & Rutgers University launch the next-generation 'Redwing' Slocum Sentinel Glider on a five-year, 73,000 km global ocean monitoring journey

Oct 11, 2025
Maritime Robotics Showcases USV Capabilities in NATO Exercises

Maritime Robotics demonstrated its Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) at NATO’s REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger exercises, demonstrating advanced capabilities in seabed mapping, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare

Oct 06, 2025
Boxfish Robotics to Showcase Autonomous Underwater Systems at OCEANS 2025

Boxfish Robotics will showcase its Boxfish AUV and ARV-i at OCEANS 2025 Great Lakes, highlighting autonomous solutions for freshwater and marine exploration

Sep 26, 2025
New Thruster System Advances AUV Agility & Reliability

Tiburon Subsea’s patented JETTE thruster system delivers five-degree-of-freedom control, transforming conventional AUVs into agile, reliable subsea platforms for defense, commercial, and offshore survey missions

Sep 19, 2025