What Oceanbotics does

Oceanbotics, a division of RJE International, Inc., designs and manufactures professional-grade battery-powered underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) from its headquarters in Irvine, California. The company was founded in 2017 and serves defense, search and rescue, offshore energy, port security, law enforcement, and marine research customers worldwide, with named deployments at the US Navy, Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Australian Department of Defense, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Petrobras, NOAA, and numerous US and international law enforcement agencies.

The product platform centers on the SRV-8 family, distinguished by an 8-thruster Dynamic Vector Control (DVC) propulsion architecture and an Xbox-joystick-based control scheme that the company cites as enabling under-3-minute deployment and under-10-minute operator proficiency. Depth-rated variants include the SRV-8 (to ~305m), the SRV-8X Optimus (to 500m) with expanded payload capacity, and the SRV-8C compact configuration launched in March 2026. Specialized variants include the SRV-8X MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle), integrated with ECS Special Projects' Viper MDS for EOD/mine neutralization, and the SRV-8X with Acoustic Tracking System. All vehicles run SubNav OS / SubNav-X proprietary software, supporting real-time HD video, plug-and-play integration of sonar, USBL, DVL, and manipulator accessories, and hot-swappable lithium or NiMH battery modules delivering up to 6-8 hours of continuous operation, with an optional Topside Power System for longer missions.

Oceanbotics monetizes primarily through one-time hardware sales of complete ROV systems, bundled software, and accessories (multi-beam and pipe-profiling sonar, manipulators, USBL, DVL, etc.), supplemented by paid training services delivered to enterprise and government customers. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; all sales are quote-based and executed through a direct enterprise field-sales motion supplemented by an international channel partner network (ROMOR Ocean Solutions in Canada, Topaz Subsea and Remote Imaging Solutions in Australia) and a 'Become a Dealer' program. The company invests heavily in earned media (60 Minutes Australia, Smithsonian Channel, Discovery Channel Shark Week across three consecutive years) and industry events such as DSEI London to build demand among government and defense buyers.

Name

Oceanbotics

Legal name

Oceanbotics Inc.

Website

https://oceanbotics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oceanbotics designs and manufactures professional underwater ROVs used by defense, search and rescue, offshore energy, port security, law enforcement, and marine research customers worldwide, sold via direct enterprise sales and an international dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underwater Robotics / Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

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

Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Unmanned Naval Vessels (USV/UUV) (IMAJABAH), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) & Autonomous Subsea Platforms (IMABAIAF), Underwater/Port Infrastructure Security (Dive Teams, Hull & Pier Inspections) (BPAKALAH)

Keywords

• Underwater ROVs
• Remotely operated vehicles
• Subsea inspection systems
• Underwater drones
• Marine robotics

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. ROV Hardware Sales: Oceanbotics generates primary revenue from the sale of professional-grade ROV systems, including the SRV-8, SRV-8X Optimus, SRV-8C, and SRV-8X Mine Disposal Vehicle (MDV). These are sold as complete systems with bundled software (SubNav OS), controllers, and tether systems. Additional revenue from configuration customization and accessory bundles.
2. Software Licenses and Updates: SubNav OS and SubNav-X proprietary ROV software is bundled with hardware. Revenue may also come from software updates, navigation packages (R-Nav Standard/Advanced), and Nav Control Software for enhanced capabilities.
3. Accessories and Add-Ons: Oceanbotics sells a wide range of ROV accessories and add-ons including multi-beam imaging sonar, USBL positioning systems, Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), acoustic tracking systems, CP probes, UT probes, HD auxiliary cameras, 3D imaging sonar, manipulator arms (2-Jaw, 3-Jaw, Rotating), sediment samplers, sharp cutters, pipe-profiling sonar, and mine disposal systems (Viper MDS).
4. Training Services: Oceanbotics provides in-person training programs for customers and partners, including immersive training for operators (e.g., Mexico Port Authorities training, Canadian Department of National Defence training at COVE in Nova Scotia).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Oceanbotics designs and manufactures professional-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) including the SRV-8, SRV-8X Optimus, SRV-8C compact model, and SRV-8X Mine Disposal Vehicle, all powered by proprietary SubNav OS / SubNav-X software with 8-thruster Dynamic Vector Control. The systems are sold with plug-and-play accessory integration, hot-swappable batteries, and Xbox-controller operation for rapid deployment in defense, search and rescue, offshore energy, port security, and marine research missions.

Product overview

Oceanbotics is a manufacturer of professional Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), operating as a division of RJE International, Inc. The product lineup centers on the SRV-8 Series of underwater drones: the SRV-8 as the flagship compact inspection ROV, the SRV-8X Optimus as the larger, higher-capacity variant rated to 500m depth, and the SRV-8C as the most compact and cost-effective option. Special purpose variants include the SRV-8X MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle) for explosive ordnance disposal and the SRV-8X with Acoustic Tracking System. All vehicles share the SubNav OS/SubNav-X software platform featuring intuitive controls (Xbox controller), real-time data visualization, and plug-and-play accessory integration. The ROVs are designed for rapid 3-minute deployment and extreme maneuverability via 8-thruster Dynamic Vector Control (DVC). Target markets span Defense, Search & Rescue, Offshore Energy, Marine Research, law enforcement, and infrastructure inspection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SubNav OS: Powerful, intuitive ROV software designed for professional underwater missions with streamlined user interface, real-time data visualization, and simplified navigation tools.
• SRV-8
• SRV-8X Optimus
• SRV-8C
• SRV-8 MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle)
• SRV-8X ATS

Products and services

• SRV-8 ROV Professional underwater ROV with 8-thruster Dynamic Vector Control for extreme maneuverability, designed for inspection, search and rescue, defense, and marine research missions. Built for ease of use with 3-minute deployment time and 10-minute learning curve.
• SRV-8X Optimus ROV Larger, more powerful professional underwater ROV with increased payload capacity and extended depth rating to 500 meters. Battery-operated for improved range and movement, with SubNav-X software for seamless integration of optional accessories. Designed for challenging offshore deployments, stronger currents, and more demanding underwater missions.
• SRV-8C Compact ROV The most compact ROV in the Oceanbotics lineup. Delivers the same ease of operation, extreme maneuverability, and intuitive SubNav OS software as the SRV-8 Series in a streamlined, cost-effective form factor for professional underwater inspection.
• SRV-8X Mine Disposal Vehicle (MDV) Special purpose underwater ROV configured for mine disposal operations. Detects and eliminates explosive mine threats quickly and efficiently using ECS Special Projects' Viper MDS technology for neutralizing improvised explosive devices. Includes state-of-the-art imaging sonar for mine detection.
• SRV-8X Acoustic Tracking System (ATS) Acoustic tracking system for ROV navigation and tracking, enabling precise positioning of the ROV and underwater targets using acoustic signals.
• SubNav OS / SubNav-X Software Platform Proprietary intuitive ROV software platform powering Oceanbotics vehicles. Features streamlined user interface, real-time data visualization, simplified navigation tools, and plug-and-play customization for connecting sonar, USBL, manipulators, and other underwater accessories. Enables underwater data collection, inspection, and mission execution.
• ROV Accessories and Add-Ons Comprehensive range of underwater inspection and manipulation accessories including multi-beam imaging sonar, USBL positioning, Doppler Velocity Log, Acoustic Tracking System, CP Probe, UT Probe, HD auxiliary camera, 3D imaging sonar, pipe-profiling sonar, manipulator arms (2-Jaw, 3-Jaw, Rotating), sediment sampler, sharp cutter, and mine disposal systems (Viper MDS).

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 8 hours of continuous underwater operation on a single charge
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mexico Port AuthoritiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 December 2023Mexico Port Authorities purchased 9 SRV-8 professional underwater drones for enhanced port security capabilities. Oceanbotics conducted immersive in-person training for Mexico Port Authorities professionals, enabling real-time hull inspections, threat detection, and environmental monitoring across all ports.
• ROMOR Ocean SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 November 2023ROMOR Ocean Solutions served as the trusted partner facilitating the sale of SRV-8 ROVs to the Canadian Department of National Defence. ROMOR leveraged its expertise to ensure the defense customer received a product that deploys in 3 minutes and utilizes a fully integrated Xbox controller. ROMOR also hosted collaborative training sessions at COVE in Nova Scotia.
• Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2023COVE in Nova Scotia hosted collaborative training sessions between Oceanbotics, ROMOR Ocean Solutions, and the Canadian Department of National Defence, providing an exclusive platform to showcase SRV-8 capabilities including imaging sonar, Doppler velocity log, SubNav OS, and USBL systems.
• ECS Special Projects (Viper MDS Technology)coreTechnology or Integration · 12 June 2023ECS Special Projects provided the Viper MDS (Mine Disposal System) technology integrated into the SRV-8 MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle) for neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and naval mines. The SRV-8 MDV uses Viper MDS technology for securing charge disruptors to mines and shock tube deployment for safe neutralization from a distance.
• Remote Imaging Solutions (RIS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 February 2021Remote Imaging Solutions (RIS), an Australian distributor, conducted subsea ROV work for the Australian Department of Defense's Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, using SRV-8 ROVs for an in-water hull survey on HMAS Ballarat.
• Big Blue Ocean CleanupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019Oceanbotics partnered with Big Blue Ocean Cleanup as part of the #oceanprotectionproject, joining their mission to keep coastlines clean and protect marine wildlife. Big Blue Ocean Cleanup provides cleanup equipment to coastal crews and runs free educational workshops and resources for schools around the world.
• Topaz SubseaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTopaz Subsea, an Australian distributor, has deployed SRV-8 ROVs in the field. Referenced in ON&T article as taking field photos of SRV-8 operations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Kongsberg Maritime: Kongsberg's subsea division supplies HUGIN AUVs, work-class ROVs and underwater imaging systems to offshore, defense and research customers globally. Broad incumbent with overlapping underwater vehicle and imaging/sensor offerings but a focus on larger, deeper-water systems.
• Oceaneering International: Oceaneering operates one of the world's largest fleets of work-class ROVs and provides subsea intervention services to offshore oil & gas, defense and inspection end markets. Broad incumbent that overlaps on offshore inspection demand and competes indirectly for navy/port security work.
• Teledyne Marine: Teledyne Marine aggregates multiple underwater imaging, sonar and vehicle businesses (incl. Bowtech, RESON, TSS, Imagenex) used in AUV/ROV payloads. Broad incumbent supplier of components and integrated platforms that compete in sensor and instrument subsegments relevant to Oceanbotics.

Direct peers

• Saab Seaeye: Saab's marine robotics division builds work-class and portable inspection ROVs (Falcon, Sabertooth, Sea Wasp) used by navies, offshore energy and security customers. Direct competitor in defense/EOD ROV space, with broader portfolio and parent-company scale advantages.
• VideoRay: VideoRay is a US-based manufacturer of small, mission-class ROVs widely deployed by navies, law enforcement and inspection professionals. Most direct head-to-head competitor to Oceanbotics in the sub-300m professional ROV segment, with overlapping customers in USN, UK MoD and allied defense agencies.
• Deep Trekker: Canadian manufacturer of battery-powered, portable ROVs (DTG3, REVOLUTION, PIVOT) used across defense, search & rescue, ports and aquaculture. Closely comparable product philosophy (portable, battery-first, ease-of-use) and overlapping customer profile to Oceanbotics.

Emerging players

• Chasing Innovation: China-based maker of consumer and prosumer underwater drones (M2, M2 Pro, Dory). Emerging player that overlaps with Oceanbotics at the lower end of the inspection/diving segment, with rapid product release cadence.
• Blue Robotics: US-based maker of low-cost underwater thrusters, components and educational/research ROV kits. Emerging player mostly in the hobbyist/research segment that touches Oceanbotics at the academic and prosumer fringe.
• QYSEA (FIFISH): Chinese manufacturer of compact vector-thrust underwater drones (FIFISH V6, V6 Expert, P3) bridging consumer and professional inspection markets. Emerging competitor to Oceanbotics in the entry-level professional ROV segment with aggressive pricing.

Regional players

• Subsea Tech (Marine Consulting & Robotics): French-headquartered manufacturer of mini-ROVs (Observer, Manta) for inspection, security and research applications, primarily serving European and Mediterranean customers. Regional competitor with overlapping product form factors and inspection use cases.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJpXvi3yPo2duju63qykSdw
• Facebookfacebook.com/oceanboticsinc

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 Oceanbotics