In a race to strengthen underwater capabilities, the US and China are accelerating efforts in advanced technologies such as the Manta Ray underwater drone, highlighting their strategic significance. The recent developments highlight the critical role of underwater drones in military, environmental, and infrastructure applications. With significant investments driving innovation in endurance, navigation, and data collection for military and commercial uses, this space is poised for rapid growth, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s proprietary technology innovation intelligence tool “Technology Foresights,” 157 patents were filed for underwater drones between 2015 and 2023.

Rahul Kumar Singh, Senior Analyst of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, comments: “The underwater drone market is drawing new companies and substantial investments, signaling rapid growth potential. These drones are increasingly vital for military operations, environmental surveillance, and inspecting underwater structures, driving ongoing innovation. Advanced technologies such as autonomous navigation systems allow drones to independently traverse complex underwater environments, while real-time data processing provides instant environmental insights. Additionally, sophisticated biofouling detection systems are crucial for safeguarding marine infrastructure health.”

The recent investments analyzed from GlobalData’s Deals Database highlight a clear trend towards rapid innovation, driven by the demands of a complex global landscape where underwater environments are as strategically vital as their terrestrial counterparts.

Terradepth, a US-based ocean data-as-a-service company, has successfully raised $28 million to develop its cloud-based, browser-accessible, ocean data management platform Absolute Ocean.

Beijing Haizhou Unmanned Ship Technology is making significant strides with its intelligent unmanned ships. The company’s Pre-Series A financing in March 2024 underlines its dedication to advancing autonomous maritime systems.

Expanding the global perspective, South Korea’s Kalman received $370,000 in May 2024 from The Invention Lab to enhance its Lobster robot, a critical component in Asia-Pacific’s nuclear plant inspections.

Turkish startup AISField, specializing in underwater drones for energy sector inspections, secured an investment from Tupras Ventures in September 2023, reflecting the increasing reliance on advanced unmanned technologies worldwide.

Singh concludes: “The increasing focus on underwater drone investments in the context of the US-China tech dynamics highlights the strategic importance of these innovations. As global powers race to enhance their underwater capabilities, the surge in funding and technological advancements emphasizes the critical role of these drones in military, environmental, and commercial applications. While the sector anticipates growth, challenges like cost-effectiveness and scalable production must be addressed. However, these innovations promise substantial progress, facilitating more resilient and adaptable technologies, transforming our interaction with underwater environments.”