Underwater/Marine Robotics Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)), By Propulsion Type (Electric and Hybrid), By Application (Defense and Security, Oil and Gas, Scientific Research and Exploration, Commercial Exploration, and Environmental Monitoring), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The underwater robot is a mechanical device designed to operate in subaquatic conditions without direct human intervention. There are different shapes and sizes of underwater robots, which can be equipped with several sensors and tools for collecting large quantities of data in deepsea environments.

The demand for underwater/marine robotics is expected to experience significant growth over the next few years as a result of the growing demand for efficient and cost-effective solutions in terms of oceanographic exploration and maintenance. The growth of the market is anticipated to be driven by factors such as increasing investments in offshore oil and gas exploration and production, greater emphasis on sea research and conservation efforts, and advances in autonomous underwater vehicle technologies. However, barriers to growth in the market can be identified as issues relating to large development costs, technological complexity, and restrictions on regulation. Overall, the market is expected to be significantly expanded in the foreseeable future based on continued innovation and cooperation between industry participants. According to World Robotics, in 2022, 517,000 units of new robots were installed globally.

During the peak of COVID-19, the adoption of underwater/marine robotics received a negative response.  The decline in demand for underwater robots was caused by key end users choosing not to move forward with new projects. To control the spread of this disease, the government imposed several restrictions on every sector. The market expansion was slowed down by the delay of sea and other waterbody activities. However, the oil and gas sector experienced a consistent rate of expansion with an increase in demand for underwater robots as a result of the decline in cases and availability of vaccinations.

Segmentation:

Key Insights:

The report covers the following key insights:

• Micro Macro Economic Indicators


• Drivers, Restraints, Trends, and Opportunities


• Business Strategies Adopted by the Players

Analysis by End-Users:

Based on end-users, the market is segmented into defense and security, oil and gas, scientific research and exploration, commercial exploration, and environmental monitoring. In 2023, the commercial exploration segment reported the largest market share. A wide range of sectors and applications, including offshore oil and gas exploration, underwater mining, maritime salvage operations, and underwater construction, are covered by commercial exploration. In support of these industries, underwater robots, both ROVs and AUVs, play an essential role. They are used for tasks such as inspection and maintenance of subsea infrastructure, geological surveys, or exploration of new areas where resources can be found. The need for cost-effective and efficient solutions to be able to carry out operations in difficult ocean environments, as well as extraction of valuable resources on the sea floor, is a driving force behind the demand for remotely operated vehicles for commercial exploration.

Regional Analysis:

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The underwater/marine robotics market is divided into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2023. The growth is driven by increased activities in the marine sector, a growing interest in energy exploration offshore, and an increase in R&D efforts. To promote their marine industries and explore the vast underwater resources in the region, countries such as China, Japan, and India are making active investments in diving robots. Moreover, the adoption of marine robots for research and protection of marine ecosystems is being driven by an emphasis on environmental monitoring. According to World Robotics 2022, the operational stock of industrial robots in India was 33,000 units.

• In March 2024, IIT researchers created an underwater robot for real-time underwater surveillance, decreasing human life risk.

The distribution of the underwater/marine robotics market by region is as follows:

• North America – 25%


• South America – 8%


• Europe – 20%


• Middle East & Africa – 12%


• Asia Pacific – 35%

Key Players:

The report comprises key players, such as International Submarine Engineering Limited (ISE), Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH, TechnipFMC plc, Deep Ocean Engineering Inc, Saab AB, General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc, Oceaneering International Inc, ECA Group, Bluefin Robotics Corporation, and others.

Key Industry Developments:

• In April 2024, Saab announced the launch of a new initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions for underwater robotics, Skapa by Saab.


• In October 2023, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, a player in the manufacture, development, and design of advanced solutions, robotic solutions, systems, and software that redefine human potential, announced that it had received a demand from Atlantas Marine for a support package and 2 Guardian Sea Class robotic systems. Sarcos delivered the systems during the 3rd quarter of 2023.