What Cerulean Sonar does

Cerulean Sonar Inc. is a Minnesota-headquartered (Long Lake, MN; Delaware-incorporated) underwater acoustic technology company founded in 2019 as a spin-out of Digi Labs by Larry Lukis, the former Founder, CTO, and Chairman of ProtoLabs. The company designs and manufactures a portfolio of acoustic imaging, subsea positioning, and bathymetry products targeted at small ROV, AUV, and USV operators who have historically been priced out of traditional sonar equipment. Core products include the Omniscan family of imaging sonars (450 SS side-scan, 450 FS forward-looking, 450 Compact, and the newly introduced Omniscan 3D 450 SS), the ROV Locator / Omnitrack USBL positioning systems with three synchronization variants (GNSS, acoustic, network), the Tracker 650 Doppler Velocity Log, the Surveyor 240-16 multibeam echosounder, and the Sounder S500 single-beam echosounder, all unified through the proprietary SonarView cross-platform software application.

The company's technical differentiation rests on patent-pending Doppler Motion Tracking, angle-of-arrival algorithms achieving sub-1-degree cross-track resolution, real-time image mosaicking, and native integration with Blue Robotics BlueOS, QGroundControl, and MAVLink/ArduSub platforms. Pricing is publicly listed and ranges from $890 (Sounder S500) to $9,990 (Omnitrack Wireless), positioning products at roughly one-tenth the cost of comparable traditional sonar systems.

Cerulean operates a product-led, direct-to-customer go-to-market combining a transparent e-commerce storefront with an authorized distributor network spanning over 40 countries, five strategic ROV manufacturer partnerships (Blue Robotics, Blueye, Chasing, JM Robotics, QYSEA), and a dozen systems integration partners. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales supplemented by accessories, upgrade kits (such as the Omniscan 3D upgrade module), and OEM integration support, with primary customer segments including small commercial surveyors, marine researchers, search-and-recovery operators, ROV/AUV integrators, and adjacent aquaculture and offshore industry buyers.

Name

Cerulean Sonar

Legal name

Cerulean Sonar Inc.

Website

https://ceruleansonar.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cerulean Sonar designs and manufactures low-cost acoustic imaging, subsea positioning, and bathymetry products (Omniscan sonars, ROV Locator USBL, Tracker DVL, Surveyor MBES) for small ROV/AUV/USV operators priced out of traditional sonar systems, unified through its SonarView software and sold via e-commerce and a 40+ country distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underwater Sonar Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar, GNSS, AIS) (IMAJAJAE), Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Underwater sonar systems
• Acoustic imaging products
• Subsea positioning technology
• Multibeam echosounder systems
• ROV AUV sonar equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Wayzata

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Cerulean generates revenue primarily through one-time sale of physical sonar hardware products including imaging sonars (Omniscan family), subsea positioning systems (ROV Locator, Omnitrack, Tracker DVL), bathymetry equipment (Surveyor MBES, Sounder), and accessories (brackets, network hubs, GPS modules). Each product is sold as a discrete hardware unit with associated cables and mounting hardware.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cerulean Sonar designs and manufactures low-cost underwater acoustic products for ROVs, AUVs, and USVs, including side-scan, forward-looking, and 3D imaging sonars (Omniscan family), USBL subsea positioning systems (ROV Locator Mk II/III/V and Omnitrack), Doppler velocity logs (Tracker 650), multibeam and single-beam echosounders (Surveyor 240-16, Sounder S500), and connectivity accessories. All products are controlled by the proprietary SonarView software, which runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, or in a browser when hosted on the vehicle. The company leverages advances in micro-electronics and digital signal processing to deliver professional-grade imaging, positioning, and bathymetry at roughly one-tenth the cost of comparable traditional systems.

Product overview

Cerulean Sonar offers a unified portfolio of underwater acoustic technology products sensibly priced for commercial, research, and defense applications. The core imaging lineup centers on the Omniscan family (Omniscan 450 FS forward-looking, Omniscan 450 SS side-scan, Omniscan 450 Compact, and Omniscan 3D), all controlled via the SonarView software platform. Subsea positioning is addressed through the Omnitrack USBL flagship system and the ROV Locator family (Mk II with GNSS sync, Mk III with acoustic sync, Mk V with network sync). Bathymetric data collection uses the Surveyor 240-16 multibeam echosounder and Sounder S500 single-beam echosounder. The Tracker 650 DVL provides Doppler velocity logging for position hold. Connectivity accessories (Manifold 5L subsea hub, Network Hub, GPS Module) enable system integration. SonarView serves as the unifying software platform across all products, with native support for Blue Robotics BlueOS and compatibility with third-party Blue Robotics sonar devices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SonarView: A sonar viewing application developed by Cerulean Sonar that supports various sonar devices. Available as a standalone app for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and as a web application that can run in any modern browser when hosted on ROV or USV vehicles.
• Omniscan Family
• Surveyor
• ROV Locator Family
• Omnitrack
• Tracker 650 DVL

Products and services

• SonarView Cerulean-developed sonar viewing application that supports all Cerulean sonar products and native-compatible Blue Robotics sonar devices (Ping, Ping360), providing live capture, real-time preview, offline mission replay, and data export. Platform-agnostic web application available for Windows, Mac, and Linux; a SonarView server can be hosted on an ROV or USV for browser-based access.
• Omniscan 450 FS Forward-looking imaging sonar with transducer and electronics housed in a single enclosure. Available in 100m and 300m depth ratings with 120m range and 50-degree vertical beam height. Features patent-pending Doppler Motion Tracking capability enabling translational motion information and position hold mode for ROVs without a DVL.
• Omniscan 450 SS Side-scan imaging sonar with separate transducer and PCBA, featuring a narrow fan beam for high along-track resolution and up to 150m range. Available in standard and BlueBoat-specific form factors.
• Omniscan 450 Compact Compact forward-looking imaging sonar supported by most small ROVs. Features an internal Ethernet switch for daisy-chaining up to two additional Ethernet devices with a single vehicle connection.
• Omniscan 3D 450 SS Advanced underwater imaging system that bridges side-scan sonar and multibeam echo sounders. Operates at 450 kHz with a 16-channel receive array that calculates vertical angles for every return, generating dense, high-resolution 3D point clouds in real time and rendering imagery on a true 3D mesh. Available as an all-in-one integrated enclosure or as a modular design.
• Omniscan 3D Upgrade Kit Upgrade kit adding 3D imaging capabilities to existing Omniscan 450 SS, SS-BB, FS, and Compact units. Includes a 16-channel RX16 receive array module for generating dense, real-time 3D point clouds.
• Omnitrack USBL Flagship underwater positioning system combining ROV Locator technology with dual GNSS receivers. Features an integral GNSS compass for superior accuracy and immunity from magnetic interference. Available in wired (25m PoE tether) and wireless configurations.
• ROV Locator Mk II USBL positioning system using GNSS timing synchronization. Topside receiver and ROV transmitter each have GNSS devices for clock sync, with approximately 1m error per hour drift accumulation. 300m depth rating.
• ROV Locator Mk III USBL positioning system using duplex acoustic synchronization. The topside transceiver pings the ROV transponder, which responds, eliminating the need for clock synchronization and allowing the unit to remain submerged indefinitely without slant range accuracy drift. Open API documented in the user manual.
• ROV Locator Mk V Network-synchronized ROV positioning system using Ethernet timing via a private NTP-like protocol. No reliance on GPS or acoustic sync; higher update rates of 1-5 Hz with drift-free accuracy independent of speed of sound. Designed for BlueOS-based vehicles.
• Surveyor 240-16 MBES 240 kHz multibeam echo sounder with a 16-element receive array, 80-degree cross track beam width, and angle-of-arrival estimation algorithm achieving less than 1-degree cross track resolution. Includes built-in IMU for pitch and roll compensation, suitable for small USVs.
• Sounder S500 Multipurpose single-beam echosounder with CHIRP modulation, 500 kHz transducer, approximately 5-degree beam width, and 100m+ range. Supports Ethernet, USB, and serial communication interfaces; used as an ROV/AUV altimeter, for bathymetry, and as an obstacle avoidance sonar.
• Tracker 650 DVL Doppler velocity log for ROV position hold and motion tracking. Provides high update rate velocity information for seamless position tracking. Leverages the IMU in the vehicle as the central source of truth for attitude, simplifying setup and reducing cost, and works with BlueOS or ArduSub/MAVLink vehicles.
• Manifold 5L Subsea Network Hub 5-port POE Ethernet switch rated for subsea use, supporting a tether interface option for Blue Robotics Fathom-X tether integration. Reduces penetrations in the main electronics enclosure and simplifies subsea connectivity.
• Network Hub Topside network hub that bridges ROV, PC, Omnitrack geolocation system, and other Ethernet devices. Features Fathom tether interface, POE-enabled ports, and USB-C connectivity.
• GPS Module GNSS positioning module rated to 300m depth with an integrated patch antenna. Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS constellations with 2.5m autonomous positioning accuracy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Bathymetric surveys with MBES technology can be more than ten times faster than surveys with single-beam echosounders
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blue RoboticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCalifornia-based blue technology company designing and manufacturing affordable marine components including BlueROV2, BlueBoat, thrusters, and sonars. Their open-source software and hardware approach makes products easily customizable. Blue Robotics integrates and resells Cerulean sonar products (Omniscan 450 SS, Surveyor 240-16 MBES) with their BlueBoat USV platform and offers official integration kits (BR-102295) for Cerulean products.
• BlueyecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorwegian company developing professional underwater ROVs designed, produced, and serviced in Norway. Focus on reliable and user-friendly underwater technology for frictionless access to underwater environments.
• ChasingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCreators of Chasing M2 Pro Max underwater ROV/Drone for professional users and industrial applications with omni-movement in all directions and powerful mount extension system including optional robot arm.
• JM RoboticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorwegian company with extensive practical experience in aquaculture and offshore. Creates functional and user-friendly ROV systems designed to withstand forces of the ocean for everyday use at sea.
• QYSEAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTechnology company specializing in underwater drones for underwater inspections, exploration, and research. Applies advanced technologies such as real-time video feeds, onshore control systems, and underwater quick positioning systems. Offers FIFISH E-GO and W6 ROV models with integrated Omniscan 450 FS variants.
• SPH Engineering (Latvia)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSystems integrator that has integrated Surveyor 240-16 MBES and side-scan sonars into custom UAV payloads, enabling fully automated data collection in environments where USV/ASV operations are impractical or unsafe.
• Marine Thinking (Canada)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIntegrates OS450 SS and Surveyor MBES onto BlueBoat USV powered by Marine Tensor system with RTK positioning, HD camera, onboard PC for real-time data acquisition, and 10km range for autonomous hydrographic surveys.
• AlphaGeo (UK)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEnhances capabilities by integrating Chasing ROVs with forward and side-scan sonars and MBES sonars for Blue Robotics BlueBoat USV solutions for underwater exploration and data acquisition.
• Eurosportos (Italy)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian distributor that leverages great value-for-money of Cerulean products to significantly expand potential customer base and make underwater technologies available at prices unthinkable for competitors.
• ROV Expert (France)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFrench systems integrator relying on cutting-edge underwater technology to deliver high-quality solutions. Cerulean sonar products have significantly enhanced operations providing reliable and affordable underwater positioning and imaging for client inspections.
• Lenta Marine (Turkey)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTurkish integrator offering PYROT ROV integration with Cerulean Omniscan 450 for optimal solution with exceptional price-to-performance ratio and precise underwater exploration and research data.
• SEADRONICS (South Korea)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth Korean distributor describing Cerulean's sonar product line as the best solution for small ROVs. Reports clients are delighted with results, reasonable cost, superior performance, and continuous equipment improvement.
• Remote Coast Systems (USA)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAmerican integrator offering affordable high-quality hull-mounted side scan sonar through Omniscan 450SS integrated with Blue Robotics BlueBoat for autonomous mapping of coastal areas, locating shipwrecks, and identifying seagrass boundaries.
• Delail Marine (France)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFrench systems integrator enabling ROVs to perform complex autonomous operations cost-efficiently using Cerulean's products to sustain a blue economy.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Blue Robotics: California-based manufacturer of low-cost marine components and ROVs (BlueROV2, BlueBoat), including its own Ping360 imaging sonar. Direct overlap with Cerulean in the small-ROV sonar category and a key OEM partner; also competes at the low end with its in-house sonar products.
• Norbit: Norwegian-headquartered provider of compact multibeam echosounders (iWBMSe, iXblue-class MBES) and USBL positioning for small USVs. Directly competes with Cerulean's Surveyor 240-16 MBES and USBL products in the hydrographic survey and small-vessel segment.
• Imagenex Technology Corp: Canadian manufacturer of imaging sonars, side-scan sonars, and multibeam echosounders for small ROV/AUV platforms. Closely comparable product portfolio to Cerulean's imaging and bathymetry lines, serving the same small-platform survey and inspection customers.
• Tritech International (a Moog brand): UK-based maker of imaging sonars (Gemini, Micron), USBL positioning, and DVLs widely used on small observation ROVs. Direct competitor to Cerulean in forward-looking imaging sonar and subsea positioning for the small-ROV market.
• EdgeTech: US manufacturer of side-scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and bathymetric systems widely used in marine surveys. Direct overlap with Cerulean's Omniscan side-scan and Sounder product lines in the hydrographic and search/recovery markets.

Broad incumbents

• Sonardyne: UK-based established supplier of USBL positioning (Scylla, Ranger 2), DVLs, and subsea acoustic systems across defense, energy, and scientific markets. Broad incumbent in subsea positioning where Cerulean competes with its Omnitrack/ROV Locator line.
• Kongsberg Discovery: Division of Kongsberg Gruppen offering high-end multibeam echosounders, subsea sonars, and USBL positioning for hydrographic, scientific, and defense customers. Broad incumbent that competes across Cerulean's imaging, positioning, and bathymetry lines at the high end.
• Teledyne Marine (RESON, BlueView): Teledyne's marine group includes RESON multibeam echosounders and BlueView imaging sonars used on ROVs and survey vessels. Broad incumbent in sonar and acoustic imaging with overlapping products to Cerulean's imaging and bathymetry lines.
• Exail (formerly iXblue): French-headquartered provider of USBL (Posidonia, Gaps), INS, DVLs, and acoustic systems for subsea positioning and survey. Established incumbent whose USBL products compete with Cerulean's ROV Locator and Omnitrack systems.

Emerging players

• Water Linked: Norwegian company building low-cost acoustic positioning (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, USBL kits) and DVLs for small ROVs. Emerging player pursuing the same 'low-cost acoustic for small ROVs' wedge as Cerulean, with comparable price-sensitive customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/CeruleanSonar

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cerulean Sonar