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Boeing to Acquire Liquid Robotics to Enhance Autonomous Seabed-to-Space Information Services

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Naval Industry News - USA
 
 
 
Boeing to Acquire Liquid Robotics to Enhance Autonomous Seabed-to-Space Information Services
 
Boeing has entered into an agreement to acquire Liquid Robotics, a market leader in autonomous maritime systems and developer of the Wave Glider ocean surface robot, to grow its seabed-to-space autonomous capabilities.
     
Liquid Robotics, the leader in long-duration, unmanned ocean robots, and their Japanese partner, Hydro Systems Development (HSD), have successfully delivered the first fleet of Wave Gliders to the Japan Coast Guard. Liquid Robotics and HSD will assist the Japan Coast Guard in deploying eight Wave Gliders for a multi-year mission providing autonomous observation and situational awareness of ocean currents, wave activity, and weather along Japan’s coastlines. This is the first ocean observation network in Japan’s history that will provide comprehensive and economical monitoring of Japan’s ocean conditions.
Wave Glider is a dual USV / UUV system. Picture: Liquid Robotics
     
“With Liquid Robotics’ innovative technology and Boeing’s leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions, we are helping our customers address maritime challenges in ways that make existing platforms smarter, missions safer and operations more efficient,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

In September 2014, Boeing and Liquid Robotics entered into a teaming agreement resulting in extensive integration on the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC®), a version of the Wave Glider. The SHARC, integrated with Boeing’s advanced sensors, connects intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities ranging from satellites to manned and unmanned aircraft to sub-surface crafts.

Liquid Robotics has designed and manufactured the Wave Glider, the first wave and solar-powered autonomous ocean robot, since its founding in 2007. With more than 1 million nautical miles traveled, the Wave Glider’s capabilities address the challenges facing defense, commercial and science customers by making ocean data collection and communications easier, safer and immediate.
     
Video: Interview on SHARC, the military variant of Wave Glider during Sea Air Space 2016
     
“I am proud of our team, culture, and relentless commitment to designing the best ocean surface robot in the maritime industry,” said Gary Gysin, president and CEO of Liquid Robotics. “This acquisition allows us to leverage the strengths of one of the world’s leading global companies while continuing to push our innovation to new levels.”

Liquid Robotics has approximately 100 employees in California and Hawaii. The company will become a subsidiary of Boeing operating under its current business model and reporting to Kory Mathews, vice president of Autonomous Systems for Defense, Space & Security. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.