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Remotely Operated USVs for Survey, Monitoring and Research

Source remotely operated USVs from experienced manufacturers and specialized suppliers supporting ocean science, hydrographic survey, and marine research operations. These unmanned surface vessels provide controlled, surface-based platforms for hydrographic survey, seabed mapping, environmental monitoring, and sensor deployment where crewed vessels increase operational risk, cost, or complexity.

Read the Technology Overview

Suppliers: Remotely Operated USV

Teledyne Marine
Teledyne Marine

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

Maritime Robotics
Maritime Robotics

Innovative Uncrewed & Autonomous Surface Vessel Technologies for Maritime Operations

SatLab Geosolutions
SatLab Geosolutions

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

Open Ocean Robotics
Open Ocean Robotics

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

AGISTAR
AGISTAR

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

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Products

14 Cutting-edge Solutions
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HydroBoat 1200MB USV
HydroBoat 1200MB USV

Integrated USV with Multibeam Sonar for Hydrographic Surveying

Integrated USV with Multibeam Sonar for Hydrographic Surveying
...droBoat 1200MB USV by SatLab is a lightweight, uncrewed surface vessel engineered for hydrographic...
HydroBoat 1500
HydroBoat 1500

Heavy-payload USV for underwater topographic survey

Heavy-payload USV for underwater topographic survey
...HydroBoat 1500 USV is designed to carry out efficient underwater topographical surveying of lakes,...
HydroBoat 1200
HydroBoat 1200

Multi-mission USV for surveying & monitoring

Multi-mission USV for surveying & monitoring
...is a versatile USV designed with cutting-edge CFD technology for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency. It...
HydroBoat 990
HydroBoat 990

Single-operator USV with built-in echosounder

Single-operator USV with built-in echosounder
...e launched and operated by just one person. With a built-in GNSS receiver, single-beam echosounder... ...The IP67-rated USV features a hovering function that allows it to remain in place in flowing water,...
Otter Uncrewed Surface Vessel
Otter Uncrewed Surface Vessel

Portable catamaran USV for convenient data-gathering, monitoring & surveillance

Portable catamaran USV for convenient data-gathering, monitoring & surveillance
...able catamaran USV that has been designed for convenient transportation and deployment, and is ideal...
Mariner Uncrewed Surface Vessel
Mariner Uncrewed Surface Vessel

Durable heavy payload USV for autonomous and remote-controlled operations

Durable heavy payload USV for autonomous and remote-controlled operations
...able mid-sized USV that has been designed for coastal and offshore operations, offering a generous...
Mariner X Uncrewed Surface Vessel
Mariner X Uncrewed Surface Vessel

Long-endurance USV with 1200 kg capacity & customizable back deck

Long-endurance USV with 1200 kg capacity & customizable back deck
...long-endurance USV with an impressive payload capacity of 1200 kg, featuring advanced autonomy and a...
USVSTAR
USVSTAR

Compact USV for marine sampling & subsea observation

Compact USV for marine sampling & subsea observation
The USVSTAR is a portable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) designed for scientific work across...
BX-USV II
BX-USV II

Lightweight autonomous surface vessel for multi-sensor aquatic operations

Lightweight autonomous surface vessel for multi-sensor aquatic operations
The BX-USV II is a next-generation uncrewed surface vessel designed for highly adaptable deployment...
AGISTAR CLEANER
AGISTAR CLEANER

Portable USV for effective cleanup of floating waste & debris

Portable USV for effective cleanup of floating waste & debris
The AGISTAR CLEANER is a lightweight and easy-to-deploy robotic solution for cleanup of floating was...
DataXplorer™ Listen
DataXplorer™ Listen

Solar-powered dual-use USV for environmental applications & maritime domain awareness

Solar-powered dual-use USV for environmental applications & maritime domain awareness
... marine mammal monitoring and underwater noise assessments, as well as port security and maritime... ... The USV comes equipped as standard with a variety of sensors and payloads, including:
DataXplorer™ Survey
DataXplorer™ Survey

Solar-powered USV for high-resolution spatial data acquisition

Solar-powered USV for high-resolution spatial data acquisition
... environmental monitoring requirements. The versatile platform is ideal for seagrass mapping,... ... The USV comes equipped as standard with a variety of sensors and payloads, including:
DataXplorer™ METOC
DataXplorer™ METOC

Solar-powered USV for meteorological & oceanographic data collection

Solar-powered USV for meteorological & oceanographic data collection
......climate science research, hurricane detection, weather modelling, and offshore energy... ...zero-emissions USV features a patented self-righting system for quick recovery, a shallow draft, and...
DataXplorer™ Protect
DataXplorer™ Protect

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

Solar-powered USV for day- and nightime security & situational awareness
...rer™ Protect USV is a solar-powered, zero-emission vessel designed for security and patrolling...

Remotely Operated USVs for Survey, Monitoring and Research

Eleanor Widdows

Updated:

Remotely operated USVs are uncrewed surface vessels controlled directly by human operators via shore-based or vessel-based control stations. Unlike fully autonomous platforms, these systems maintain continuous or near-continuous operator involvement, allowing real-time control of navigation, propulsion, and payloads. This approach is well-suited to scientific and survey missions that require adaptive decision-making and precise maneuvering.

Also known as remote-controlled USVs or remotely piloted surface vehicles, these platforms combine remote operation with advanced navigation, communication, and payload integration.

Applications and Use Cases

Remotely Controlled USV by Maritime Robotics

Mariner remotely controlled USV by Maritime Robotics.

Remotely operated USVs are deployed across coastal, nearshore, and offshore environments. Common missions include:

Hydrographic and Bathymetric Survey

Remotely operated USVs are widely used for hydrographic and bathymetric surveys with single-beam and multibeam sonar systems, particularly in shallow, confined waters.

Environmental Monitoring and Water Quality Surveys

USVs support environmental monitoring systems for water quality surveys, enabling persistent sampling without the need for crewed vessels.

Oceanographic and Marine Research

Marine research organizations use remotely operated USVs for scientific data collection, sensor deployment, and oceanographic surveys in coastal and offshore regions.

Coastal and Nearshore Monitoring

USVs are effective platforms for coastal monitoring, seabed mapping, and habitat surveys in areas with limited vessel access.

Offshore Energy and Infrastructure Survey

Remotely operated offshore inspection USVs are deployed for offshore wind farm surveys, cable route surveys, and pipeline inspection, supporting offshore wind farm surveys, cable route survey operations, and oil and gas inspection missions.

Maritime Security and Patrol Support

Maritime security USVs support maritime surveillance, port monitoring, and harbor security operations requiring persistent surface presence.

Remotely Operated Military USVs

Remotely operated military USVs are configured for defense and security missions that require direct human control, secure communications, and real-time oversight. They support naval operations, maritime surveillance, and mine countermeasure support in environments where operational control and compliance are critical.

Types of Remotely Operated USVs

Small Remotely Operated USVs

Small USV platforms are optimized for shallow-water and nearshore operations, where portability and rapid deployment are critical.

Medium Remotely Operated USVs

Remotely Operated USV by SatLab Geosolutions

HydroBoat 990 remotely operated USV by SatLab Geosolutions

Medium USVs balance payload capacity and endurance, supporting hydrographic surveys and environmental monitoring missions.

Large Remotely Operated USVs

Large USVs provide extended endurance and higher payload capacity for offshore surveys and long-duration monitoring.

Hybrid Control USVs

Hybrid control USVs combine remote operation with semi-autonomous navigation systems, including waypoint navigation, GNSS positioning, autopilot control, and collision avoidance.

Survey-Optimized USVs

Survey USVs are purpose-built for hydrographic and bathymetric missions with integrated sonar and navigation systems.

System Architecture and Key Capabilities

A remotely operated USV integrates propulsion, power, navigation, communications, and payload systems into a compact surface platform. Electric motor propulsion is commonly used for low-acoustic-signature operations, while hybrid propulsion configurations support extended endurance for offshore surveys. Power systems are typically marine battery-based, with hybrid architectures enabling longer mission durations.

Navigation systems combine GNSS with inertial navigation systems to maintain accurate positioning and heading. Communication systems may include radio links, satellite communications, and telemetry systems, supporting beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Modular payload bays enable rapid integration of sonar, lidar, radar, camera systems, and environmental monitoring sensors.

Standards and Operational Considerations

Remotely operated USVs used in ocean science commonly align with maritime navigation, safety, and survey standards applicable to uncrewed surface vessels. Hydrographic and oceanographic missions often follow established best practices for positioning accuracy, data quality, and operational safety in coastal and offshore environments.

Related Articles

Remotely Controlled Vessel Makes Port Call in Historic Milestone
Remotely Controlled Vessel Makes Port Call in Historic Milestone

A Norwegian flagged uncrewed subsea vessel from Reach Subsea has successfully completed its maiden port call in Aberdeen while being remotely operated from Norway, signaling a commercial shift for North Sea operations

Jun 26, 2026
SeaTrac & USM Deploy Tandem USVs for Autonomous Offshore Hypoxia Mapping
SeaTrac & USM Deploy Tandem USVs for Autonomous Offshore Hypoxia Mapping

SeaTrac Systems and the University of Southern Mississippi have utilized a fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles to map dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico

Apr 15, 2026
Oi26 Interview: Open Ocean Robotics Discusses DataXplorer™ USV & XplorerView™ Platform
Oi26 Interview: Open Ocean Robotics Discusses DataXplorer™ USV & XplorerView™ Platform

Open Ocean Robotics spoke to OST at Oceanology International 2026 in London, with CEO and Co-Founder Julie Angus outlining the company’s solar-powered USV platform and AI-enabled maritime monitoring capabilities

Mar 20, 2026
Autonomous Platforms in Action: OST Reviews the Systems Displayed at Oi26
Autonomous Platforms in Action: OST Reviews the Systems Displayed at Oi26

OST looks back at the USV, AUV, and ROV systems demonstrated across the show floor and dockside at Oceanology International 2026 in London

Mar 18, 2026
Using the AGISTAR OXR T100 to Support Flexible Unmanned Marine Survey Operations
Using the AGISTAR OXR T100 to Support Flexible Unmanned Marine Survey Operations

AGISTAR’s OXR T100 electric outboard enables remotely operated inflatable boats to support flexible, unmanned oceanographic survey missions with improved safety and operational efficiency

Jan 08, 2026
AGISTAR’s Next-Gen USV for Water Sampling and Monitoring in Aquatic Ecosystems
AGISTAR’s Next-Gen USV for Water Sampling and Monitoring in Aquatic Ecosystems

AGISTAR’s USVSTAR is a next-generation unmanned surface vehicle for water sampling and environmental monitoring, offering portability, stability, and real-time sensor integration for accurate in-situ data and high-quality water analysis

Nov 07, 2025
AGISTAR’s Versatile USV for Environmental Monitoring
AGISTAR’s Versatile USV for Environmental Monitoring

Explore AGISTAR’s USVSTAR, a rugged, portable, and highly customizable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) delivering precise, efficient water quality monitoring and environmental research in any marine condition

Oct 14, 2025
AGISTAR’s OXR-T100 Supports Low-Impact Marine Research & Survey Operations
AGISTAR’s OXR-T100 Supports Low-Impact Marine Research & Survey Operations

AGISTAR’s OXR-T100 electric outboard motor provides low-noise, low-impact propulsion for shallow-water research, supporting precise, environmentally considerate oceanographic and survey operations

Oct 09, 2025
Hurricane Research & Forecasting Supported by Small USVs
Hurricane Research & Forecasting Supported by Small USVs

NOAA has deployed C-Star uncrewed surface vehicles off the U.S. Virgin Islands to support data collection efforts for hurricane forecasting and research

Sep 10, 2025