Seaber

What Seaber does

Seaber S.A.S. is a French designer and manufacturer of micro-AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), headquartered in Lorient, Brittany. The company was founded in 2015 by four engineers — Vidal, Quentin, Julien, and Clément — with combined expertise in AUV design for scientific and offshore applications and mobile robotics. Seaber's platform consists of two product families: YUCO, a 10 kg / 1 m / 300 m-depth / 8–10 hour-endurance micro-AUV for oceanographic research and commercial survey, and MARVEL, a parallel micro-AUV family configured for defense and survey missions (mine countermeasures, seabed inspection, ASW training). The company also produces RECALL, a 12-knot ASW-training variant subject to CIEEMG military export licensing. Seaber's technical differentiator is its proprietary INX navigation system, which delivers ±2% accuracy without requiring external acoustic infrastructure (LBL/USBL), and its SEAPLAN mission-planning software, which enables non-specialist operators to program missions in under 10 minutes. Modular payload integrations with third-party sensor manufacturers (RBR, AML, DeepVision, Imagenex, Arctic Rays, Sensys, Blueprint Subsea, SPYGEN, PYTHEAS) allow the base platform to serve diverse verticals including CTD profiling, side-scan sonar, multibeam echo sounding, magnetometry, passive acoustic monitoring, photogrammetry, and environmental DNA sampling.

Seaber sells its platforms primarily through a global distributor network spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, complemented by direct sales from its Lorient headquarters; over 90% of systems are exported. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales of YUCO and MARVEL variants and their modular payloads, with SEAPLAN software delivered under per-buyer operating licenses and a 12-month limited warranty covering support and warranty services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The customer base spans oceanographic research institutions (CNRS-LEMAR, TalTech, University of Plymouth/Plymouth Marine Laboratory), defense and coast-guard operators (via the AQUILA European Defence Fund project and RECALL deployments), and commercial surveyors. Seaber's strategic positioning is anchored by participation in European consortia: the EDF-funded AQUILA project for cross-domain ASW solutions, the EU/Région Bretagne co-financed MONITOR fleet project with CNRS-LEMAR and PriSTINE Robotics, and the UK Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) testbed partnership. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and raised €1.5 million in October 2025 from Breizh Up, Defense Angels, FNX Ventures, and Sodero to scale production toward a stated target of 100 micro-AUVs sold per year by 2030.

Name

Seaber

Legal name

SEABER S.A.S.

Website

https://seaber.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Seaber is a French designer and manufacturer of micro-AUVs (10 kg / 1 m / 300 m depth) serving oceanographic researchers, navies, coast guards, and commercial surveyors through its YUCO, MARVEL, and RECALL product lines and proprietary INX navigation system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (Marine Robotics)

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) & Autonomous Subsea Platforms (IMABAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH), Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)

Keywords

• Autonomous underwater vehicles
• Micro-AUV design
• Marine robotics
• Oceanographic survey equipment
• Underwater defense systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Lorient

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Micro-AUV Hardware Sales: Seaber generates revenue primarily from the sale of micro-AUV platforms and their modular payload variants. Products are sold as one-time capital purchases of underwater vehicles (YUCO and MARVEL ranges), with each variant offering different sensor configurations for specific mission profiles.
2. Software Licenses: SEAPLAN mission planning software is provided under an operating license specific to each buyer. The license may not be resold or transferred to third parties. Software is delivered with the hardware purchase and requires acceptance of terms of use.
3. Support and Warranty Services: Products include a 12-month limited warranty covering hardware matching published specifications. Buyers can submit warranty claims via email. Support services are accessible through the support portal ([email protected]).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Seaber designs and manufactures compact micro-AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) that can be deployed by a single person from shore, pontoon, or small vessels. Its YUCO product line targets research and commercial oceanographic applications, while the MARVEL line serves survey, coast guard, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare training. Vehicles are 10 kg / 1 m, depth-rated to 300 m, with 8–10 hours of autonomy, and are paired with the in-house INX navigation system and SEAPLAN mission planning software.

Product overview

Seaber designs and manufactures micro-AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) in two main product lines: YUCO for research and commercial oceanographic applications, and MARVEL for survey and defense-oriented operations. YUCO variants include CARRIER (custom payload platform), SCAN (side-scan sonar), CTD (conductivity/temperature/depth), PHYSICO (multiparameter water quality), PAM (passive acoustic monitoring), 3DSS (3D swath bathymetry), LUMEN (imaging), and eDNA (environmental DNA collection). MARVEL variants include SCAN, MAGNETO, MBES, 3DSS, and LUMEN for defense and survey applications. Additional products include RECALL for ASW training, SEAPLAN mission planning software, SEACOMM handheld remote, and INX proprietary navigation system. The company exports over 90% of products globally and participates in European projects like AQUILA (aerial-underwater drone integration) and MONITOR (multi-AUV fleet deployment).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YUCO: Micro-AUV designed for research and commercial oceanographic applications. Features depth rating of 300m, 8-10h autonomy, 10kg weight, 1m length.
• MARVEL
• RECALL
• SEAPLAN
• SEACOMM
• INX

Products and services

• YUCO AUV Micro-AUV platform for research and commercial oceanographic applications, depth-rated to 300 m, weighing 10 kg and measuring 1 m in length, with 8–10 hours of autonomy. Designed for single-person deployment from shore, pontoon, or vessel, integrating the proprietary INX navigation system.
• MARVEL AUV Micro-AUV for survey and defense-oriented operations including security, coast guard, mine countermeasures (MCM), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training. Features underwater acoustic positioning and communication module (SeaTrac USBL), dual-antenna GNSS-RTK for <5 m absolute positioning, and depth rating to 300 m.
• RECALL Micro-AUV Micro-AUV dedicated to advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training scenarios. Features 90 cm length, 12 cm diameter, 10 kg weight, 12 knots max speed, 300 m depth rating, deployable within 10 minutes. Includes passive, active, and combined acoustic training modes and integrates a custom PYTHEAS sonar subsystem.
• YUCO-CARRIER AUV Base YUCO micro-AUV platform with wet payload capacity for custom sensor integration. Supports up to ~2 kg payload, >45 cm length. Features Subconn connectors with power and serial data communication, plus an Extended Ethernet API option for customer application development.
• YUCO-SCAN AUV YUCO micro-AUV equipped with DeepVision 680 kHz Side Scan Sonar for bathymetric surveys, featuring DVL for current compensation and navigation accuracy. Can be combined with optional video and lighting for complete underwater vision.
• YUCO-CTD AUV YUCO micro-AUV with RBR Legato CTD sensor for salinity and temperature monitoring in ocean, coastal, and lake environments. Supports additional sensors including dissolved oxygen, fluorimeter, and turbidity. Up to 10 hours of autonomy.
• YUCO-PHYSICO AUV YUCO micro-AUV with AML-3 multiparameter sonde for comprehensive water quality monitoring. Supports multiple sensors including conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll A, and sound velocity. Ideal for micro-structure monitoring in shallow and narrow waters.
• YUCO-PAM AUV YUCO micro-AUV with RsAqua Porpoise passive acoustic recorder for underwater noise monitoring and marine mammal observation. Selectable sampling rates up to 384 kHz, up to 4 TB storage. Capable of silent recordings at fixed locations or continuous noise recording while navigating.
• YUCO-3DSS AUV YUCO micro-AUV equipped with Ping DSP 3D Side Scan Sonar for high-resolution swath bathymetry. 450 kHz frequency, 200 m per side range in 2D mode, 100 m per side in 3D mode.
• YUCO-LUMEN AUV YUCO micro-AUV with Arctic Rays HD camera for geo-referenced underwater imaging. Features 12 mm f/2.8 rectilinear lens, 60,000 Lm strobe output, 6,000 Lm torch output. Suitable for photogrammetry and marine habitat documentation.
• YUCO-eDNA AUV YUCO micro-AUV with Spygen VigiDNA filtration kit for environmental DNA collection. Features peristaltic pump system for contamination-free water sampling. Designed for non-invasive biodiversity monitoring and identifying rare species in natural environments.
• MARVEL-SCAN AUV Survey-grade MARVEL micro-AUV with Marine Sonic Side Scan Sonar (600–1800 kHz) and Blueprint Subsea SeaTrac USBL positioning. Designed for mine countermeasures, search and rescue, and seabed inspection applications.
• MARVEL-MAGNETO AUV MARVEL micro-AUV with Sensys fluxgate magnetometer for magnetic anomaly detection. Designed for UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) detection and mine countermeasures. Features sub-150 pT resolution.
• MARVEL-MBES AUV MARVEL micro-AUV with Imagenex multibeam echo sounder (260 kHz, up to 480 beams) for seabed mapping. Features USBL acoustic positioning and communication module for real-time underwater tracking.
• MARVEL-3DSS AUV MARVEL micro-AUV with Ping DSP 3D Side Scan Sonar for high-resolution swath bathymetry. Features USBL positioning for enhanced underwater localization accuracy.
• MARVEL-LUMEN AUV MARVEL micro-AUV with Arctic Rays HD camera (12.3 MP, 12 mm f/2.8 lens) and integrated lighting (up to 60,000 Lm strobe, 6,000 Lm torch) for underwater imaging and photogrammetry. Features USBL positioning module.
• SEAPLAN Mission Planning Software Mission planning software for YUCO and MARVEL AUVs. Provides a modern GUI for mission programming with pre-defined navigation patterns, autonomous feasibility analysis, real-time AUV status monitoring, firmware updates via WiFi, and mission debrief with data export. Accessible via WiFi for cross-platform use. Licensed per buyer.
• SEACOMM UHF Handheld Remote Handheld command unit allowing operators to start the AUV from up to 2 km distance, display real-time GPS positions, and send 'come-back-to-my-position' commands for AUV recovery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 125 fish species detected, including 13 chondrichthyan species, in a single deep-canyon eDNA survey off Banyuls-sur-Mer (September 2025), demonstrating the platform's biodiversity monitoring capability.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and supporting.

• University of Plymouth / Plymouth Marine LaboratorykeyTechnology or Integration · 21 June 2026Led the £1.2m three-year Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project, the UK's premier marine autonomy testbed. Seaber participated in the first major multi-platform demonstration at Plymouth Sound alongside ACUA Ocean, ecoSUB Robotics, and Sonardyne, showcasing testing capabilities for surface and subsea marine robots.
• PYTHEAS TechnologycoreTechnology or Integration · 11 June 2026Developed a fully custom sonar subsystem for the RECALL micro-AUV dedicated to advanced ASW training scenarios. PYTHEAS Technology is an expert in acoustic payloads for autonomous platforms. The two companies are currently working on several joint projects in underwater acoustics.
• Adaptronica / Marcatel / MarescocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Partners in the European AQUILA project (European Defence Fund), developing coordinated aerial-underwater drone solutions with air-deployment capability for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA).
• Schiebel / Erdyn / PythéassupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Subcontractors in the European AQUILA project, supporting the development of cross-domain autonomous solutions for defense applications.
• CNRS-LEMARcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the MONITOR project, a fleet of four micro-AUVs for marine biodiversity, soundscapes, and benthic habitat surveys. CNRS-LEMAR provides oceanology expertise, field knowledge, and biomass data. Sea trials were conducted in Brest and Groix, Brittany.
• Pristine RoboticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the MONITOR project, providing expertise in mobile robot design, control and perception algorithms, and AI for the fleet of four micro-AUVs deployment.
• SPYGENkeyTechnology or IntegrationProvided the VigiDNA© AUV filtration kit for environmental DNA sampling missions conducted with the YUCO-eDNA micro-AUV. SPYGEN's filtration technology enables non-invasive biodiversity monitoring by collecting water samples for DNA analysis.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Teledyne Marine: Teledyne Marine supplies a broad portfolio of underwater vehicles, sensors, and sonars used in oceanographic and defense surveys. Broad incumbent with overlapping customer base and complementary sensor payloads, but typically serves customers with larger, higher-priced integrated AUV platforms.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Kongsberg Maritime is a leading manufacturer of full-size HUGIN AUVs and naval underwater systems. Broad incumbent offering overlapping capabilities in naval mine countermeasures, hydrography, and underwater autonomy, but at larger vehicle classes and price points than Seaber's micro-AUV.
• Saildrone: Saildrone builds wind- and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicles for ocean data collection, hydrography, and defense applications. Comparable through autonomous marine data-collection mission profile and shared oceanographic/military customer base, although Saildrone operates at the surface rather than subsurface.
• Saab Seaeye: Saab Seaeye (part of Saab) manufactures underwater robotic systems including electric and hydraulic ROVs/AUVs for defense, hydrography, and offshore inspection. Broad incumbent in naval/defense underwater robotics with overlapping MCM and survey use cases against Seaber's MARVEL line.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense prime with unmanned maritime systems, including UUVs for mine countermeasures and naval missions. Broad incumbent competing for the same European naval defense procurement dollars that Seaber targets via MARVEL and RECALL.

Direct peers

• Blueye Robotics: Blueye produces compact underwater ROVs and observation-class vehicles for inspection, research, and aquaculture. Direct peer in compact underwater platforms targeting similar professional-but-affordable customer segments, although Blueye's primary product is tethered ROVs versus Seaber's autonomous AUVs.
• Hydromea: Hydromea manufactures miniature autonomous underwater vehicles and underwater wireless optical communication systems. Closely comparable to Seaber in target market (compact, low-logistics underwater inspection/research) and in serving oceanographic and infrastructure inspection customers.
• ACUA Ocean: ACUA Ocean develops unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for ocean data and maritime autonomy. Peer through complementary surface-platform positioning to Seaber's subsurface micro-AUVs; both companies participated together in the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface multi-robot demonstration.
• ecoSUB Robotics: ecoSUB Robotics makes small, low-cost AUVs for oceanographic and survey applications. Direct peer to Seaber's YUCO micro-AUV line — both target single-person-deployable, low-logistics underwater data collection, and the two were co-participants in the Plymouth Sound Smart Sound Connect Subsurface demonstration.

Others

• Sonardyne: Sonardyne is a UK-based supplier of underwater acoustic positioning (USBL/LBL), sonar, and marine autonomous systems. Listed as a partner in the Plymouth Sound Smart Sound demonstration alongside Seaber, with overlapping naval and oceanographic customer relationships; serves as both a complementary supplier (acoustic positioning) and an adjacent ecosystem participant.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoZ6mgnqWdV3X65EMfMvYLw
• LinkedInfr.linkedin.com/company/seaber-the-micro-auv-company

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors4 records

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 Seaber