Under Water Autonomous Intelligence
UWAI Robotics builds autonomous underwater vehicles that turn what's happening beneath the surface into clear, actionable data for the marine industry.
Our name is inspired by the Māori word wai, meaning water — a source of life, connection, and sustenance. It reflects our focus on technology for a healthier, more productive ocean.
From a university lab to the water
UWAI Robotics grew out of UC Vision, the computer-vision research group at the University of Canterbury led by Professor Richard Green. Starting 2017, researchers Tim Rensen and Ori Ganoni set out to build autonomous underwater robots for the aquaculture and fisheries sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand. We were supported along the way by programmes including Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI), MBIE Smart Ideas, KiwiNet, and the Sprout accelerator.
Autonomous intelligence, in the field today
Today UWAI builds autonomous underwater vehicles that use advanced imaging, sensors, and AI to scan and analyse mussel lines and seabed habitats accurately and non-destructively. The team now works with early-adopters in marine farming, seabed fisheries, and infrastructure. Our collaborators include the Cawthron Institute, Earth Sciences NZ, and The University of Canterbury.
Sustainability and resilience for the Blue Economy
The world needs sustainable seafood and sound underwater infrastructure. Our goal is to provide cost-effective insights and actions for optimisation and sustainability to increase yields and de-risk assets while protecting the environment. We are extending autonomous intelligence and robotics across multiple underwater domains to bolster knowledge and take meaningful action.