Nauticus Robotics, a leading developer of autonomous robots utilizing artificial intelligence for data collection and intervention services in the ocean industries, has announced a significant contract with Petrobras, one of the largest energy companies globally. The contract entails the deployment of Nauticus' autonomous subsea robot, Aquanaut, to support Petrobras' offshore activities, marking a substantial milestone in Nauticus' growing international presence.
Petrobras has been actively embracing robotics and artificial intelligence in its offshore sectors, and this contract signifies its commitment to pioneering the application of these technologies. Nauticus emerged victorious in a highly competitive tender process, securing the opportunity to deploy Aquanaut in Petrobras' Deepwater Production Field. The robot will leverage supervised autonomy for infield inspection services, providing invaluable insights in a challenging subsea environment. This contract, which involves approximately two months of subsea inspection time, stands as one of the largest of its kind worldwide to date. Nauticus' success positions the company as a significant player for potential future contracts as Petrobras estimates further opportunities in this domain.
Nauticus has invested significant efforts in developing a sophisticated library of autonomous behaviors, leveraging the latest advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence. These cutting-edge technologies enable their subsea robots to adapt and learn dynamically, ensuring optimal performance in underwater conditions. Aquanaut, a fully electric AUV, boasts a comprehensive array of multi-spectral perception sensors. Equipped with these advanced sensors, the robot can detect, classify, inspect, and perform interventions on subsea infrastructure using its manipulators, all without requiring direct operator control. This innovative approach offers substantial cost savings and a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional methods.
Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Nauticus, expressed his excitement about securing the contract, stating,
"A contract with another worldwide leading operator for Nauticus speaks to the state-of-the-art technologies of our autonomous robots as we further penetrate the global markets."
Radford also highlighted the significant market opportunity in offshore Brazil, which stands as one of the world's most active offshore energy basins. Radford emphasized the rigorous tender process, where Nauticus competed against highly respected industry competitors, and expressed eagerness for the deployment of their assets to showcase their capabilities. Nauticus continues to strengthen its robust pipeline of opportunities, instilling confidence in their ability to execute their mission and deliver long-term value to shareholders.
Petrobras, recognized as one of the largest and most prominent offshore operators globally, manages an extensive portfolio of 57 platforms and an intricate network of ten thousand miles of oil and gas pipelines. With a daily production of 2.6 million barrels of oil equivalent, Petrobras plays a crucial role in the energy sector.
Nauticus Robotics' product lineup includes Aquanaut, their flagship autonomous subsea robot, along with the Hydronaut, an autonomous or remotely controlled small vessel, and the Olympic Arm, a subsea robotic arm tool. The company also offers ToolKITT, a comprehensive robotics control software solution.
In September 2022, Nauticus completed a successful business combination with CleanTech Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed in June 2020. This milestone enabled Nauticus to debut on the NASDAQ exchange, with the common stock trading under the ticker symbol "KITT" and public warrants under "KITTW."
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