Nauticus Robotics Announces Ultra Deepwater Aquanaut Test Results using Subnero Modems

Rhea-AI Summary

Nauticus Robotics (NASDAQ: KITT) has successfully completed deepwater testing of its Aquanaut® autonomous subsea robot using Subnero modems. The tests demonstrated continuous communication between surface and subsea modems at depths reaching 2,300 meters, marking the deepest measured operation of a Subnero modem to date.

The achievement is significant as the certified 2,300-meter operational depth covers approximately 90% of worldwide offshore oil and gas fields. Nauticus plans to continue testing to reach Aquanaut's designed operational depth of 3,000 meters. The successful tests validate the reliability of underwater communications for autonomous operations at ultra deepwater depths.

Positive

• Successful communication testing at ultra-deep water depths of 2,300 meters
• Coverage of 90% of worldwide offshore oil and gas fields at current certified depth
• Validated autonomous operations capability for deep-water applications
• Technology enables reduced operational costs and environmental footprint

Negative

• None.

Insights

Ocean Technology Engineer

Nauticus' Aquanaut robot successfully tested communication systems at 2300m depth, validating its potential for widespread offshore operations.

The successful testing of Nauticus Robotics' Aquanaut vehicle with Subnero modems represents a significant milestone in deepwater robotic operations. Maintaining continuous communication between a surface modem and the subsea vehicle down to 2300 meters demonstrates remarkable technical achievement in one of subsea robotics' greatest challenges: reliable command and control communications in extreme environments.

What makes this particularly valuable is that the 2300-meter operational depth certification covers approximately 90% of worldwide offshore oil and gas fields, immediately positioning Aquanaut as viable for the vast majority of commercial applications. This removes a critical barrier to adoption in the offshore energy sector.

The technology addresses a fundamental limitation in underwater operations – conventional ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) require expensive surface vessels with operators and tether management systems. Autonomous systems like Aquanaut that can maintain reliable communications at these depths potentially offer substantial operational cost reductions while improving safety by removing human operators from hazardous environments.

For context, ultra-deepwater operations (beyond 1500 meters) typically require specialized vessels costing $50,000-$100,000 per day. Autonomous solutions could reduce this significantly while enabling longer-duration missions and expanded operational windows. The achievement of reliable communications at these depths is one of the essential enabling technologies for the broader transition to autonomous subsea operations, which represents a fundamental shift in how underwater industrial work is performed.

HOUSTON, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KITT, "Nauticus"), a leading innovator in autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions today announced its Aquanaut® Subnero Pte Ltd. ("Subnero") modem performance results from the deepwater test program announced in August.

Current acoustic communications setups required for autonomous operations underwater require the use of two modems, one near the surface and one on the subsea vehicle. For the Aquanaut tests conducted last month, the Subnero surface modem was lowered over the side of the vessel to approximately two meters below the sea surface. Test results confirmed the subsea link was maintained continuously between the surface modem and the Subnero modem installed on the Aquanaut vehicle as it submerged from the surface down to 2300 meters. Not only was this test successful for Nauticus and the Aquanaut vehicle, it represents the deepest measured operation of a Subnero modem, confirming their expertise in the subsea communications market. 

Nauticus plans to continue Aquanaut vehicle testing down to its designed operational depth of 3000 meters. It is estimated that the 2300 meter limit currently certified for Aquanaut operations is deep enough to cover 90% of the oil and gas offshore fields worldwide.

John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics, stated, "Aquanaut represents the future of subsea robotics, and Subnero's modems are a critical enabler of our vision. These tests proved that reliable underwater communication can be achieved at ultra deepwater operational depths, giving us the confidence to expand autonomous operations globally."

Manu Ignatius, CEO of Subnero, added, "We are proud to see Subnero modems perform as expected in deep-water Gulf of Mexico tests. This demonstrates our mission to provide underwater communication solutions that work everywhere — from shallow tropical waters to deep offshore fields."

A Deployment Spotlight detailing the test results will be available on the Subnero website in the next few weeks.

About Nauticus Robotics

Nauticus Robotics, Inc. develops autonomous robots for the ocean industries. Autonomy requires the extensive use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and effective algorithms for perception and decision allowing the robot to adapt to changing environments. The company's business model includes using robotic systems for service, selling vehicles and components, and licensing of related software to both the commercial and defense business sectors. Nauticus has designed and is currently testing and certifying a new generation of vehicles to reduce operational cost and gather data to maintain and operate a wide variety of subsea infrastructure. Besides a standalone service offering and forward-facing products, Nauticus' approach to ocean robotics has also resulted in the development of a range of technology products for retrofit/upgrading traditional ROV operations and other third-party vehicle platforms. Nauticus' services provide customers with the necessary data collection, analytics, and subsea manipulation capabilities to support and maintain assets while reducing their operational footprint, operating cost, and greenhouse gas emissions, to improve offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure. https://nauticusrobotics.com/

About Subnero

Subnero Pte Ltd. is a Singapore-based company providing industry leading products and solutions for in-water wireless networks. Its mission is to offer innovative high-quality in-water communication, navigation, monitoring, and sensing solutions. Developing robust wireless communications, networking, and localization is crucial to exploring the world and expanding our knowledge of it. We know less about the oceans than the Moon or Mars and the company intends to change this fact with its technology and offerings to give the oceans a voice. https://subnero.com/

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Act as well as protections afforded by other federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the expected timing of product commercialization or new product releases; customer interest in Nauticus' products; estimated operating results and use of cash; and Nauticus' use of and needs for capital. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "intends," or "continue" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Nauticus' management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. There can be no assurance that the events, results, or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Nauticus is not under any obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports which Nauticus has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and that could cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements made by the Company, in particular the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Nauticus' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC from time to time. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. The documents filed by Nauticus with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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SOURCE Nauticus Robotics, Inc.

FAQ

What depth did Nauticus Robotics (KITT) achieve in its Aquanaut deepwater testing?

Nauticus achieved continuous communication at 2,300 meters depth, with plans to test further to the designed operational depth of 3,000 meters.

How much of the global offshore oil and gas fields can Nauticus Robotics' Aquanaut system currently service?

The Aquanaut's certified depth of 2,300 meters enables it to service approximately 90% of worldwide offshore oil and gas fields.

What technology does Nauticus Robotics use for underwater communication in Aquanaut?

Nauticus uses Subnero modems for underwater communication, with a two-modem setup - one near the surface and one on the subsea vehicle.

What are the main benefits of Nauticus Robotics' Aquanaut system?

Aquanaut provides autonomous subsea operations with reduced operational footprint, lower operating costs, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions, while improving offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure.