UUV Aquabotix, an underwater robotics company with operations in Australia and the U.S., announced its agreement to support the U.S. Navy’s Forward Deployed Energy and Communications Outpost (FDECO) program as a member of the Innovative Undersea Prototype Development Consortium (iUPDC).

Historically, unmanned underwater vehicle use has been challenged by limitations in endurance and difficulties in transferring data. 

FDECO’s publicly-stated mission is to seek to prototype a forward deployed, open, scalable and coordinated undersea energy replenishment, data management, and communications infrastructure for undersea vehicles and sensors.

This Consortium brings together the defense industry to conduct prototype technology research in support of FDECO’s goals. Aquabotix was accepted as a member of this Consortium as it has demonstrated a clear ability to make a meaningful technical contribution in this field.

Whitney Million, Aquabotix’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We continue to execute on our strategy of leaning on our strengths in the defense industry and of close engagement with governmental customers, particularly the United States Navy. As a member of iUPDC, Aquabotix will be afforded opportunities to bid on research and development and prototype maturation projects. Aquabotix is grateful to the Consortium for the confidence that this invitation shows in Aquabotix’s abilities. Participation in this Consortium provides a means for Aquabotix to continue cultivating close-working, cooperative relationships with other defense companies and the United States Navy. We look forward to making a meaningful difference through our contribution.”