Page 35: of Marine Technology Magazine (September 2022)

Jaia Robotics

WITH NEW

Marc/Adobestock

GAP FILL SONAR

S2 6205

MARINE

TECHNOLOGY

SWATH

TV

BATHYMETRY & SIDE SCAN

SONAR

The need to work and explore in the world’s waterways more ef? ciently

TH and cost-effectively is inspiring a generation of innovation. Ian Estaphan 4 GENERATION.

Owen and Jason Webster co-founded JAIA Robotics in December 2020, a 540B/850kHz, or 540B/1600kHz, or 850B/540kHz, or 850B/1600kHz company which offers a compelling Micro vehicle solution. Jaia Robotics is

U.S.-owned, based in Rhode Island and specialized in developing low-cost, micro-sized autonomous marine vehicles called JaiaBots. JaiaBots are multi sensor con? gurable, designed to make aquatic data collection affordable and available for all that need it.

The company is both a seller of vehicles and an operator, providing a “JaiaBots as a Service” (JaaS) data collection services for clients that want the data but not the capital investment to own the JaiaBot systems. The ? eld team will work with customers to identify their needs, con? gure the system sensors • Co-registered dual frequency to collect the required data, plan the missions and operate the vehicles. While side scan and bathymetry much of the industry is laser focused on the large, complex deeper, longer • Unrivalled swath coverage endurance system, Jaia Robotics has more modest goals. “Jaia Robotics is in shallow water focusing on democratizing aquatic data collection,” said Owen. “With the • IHO SP-44 Special Order ability to collect data over really wide areas, using multiple robots, working in compliant pods with sensor technologies that are getting smaller and smaller.” • Swath sectors of up to 200º

As the Jaia team started with the theoretical “blank sheet of paper,” one particular challenge was balancing performance versus cost while not always • Motion tolerant side scan opting for the cheapest option. As the system became more ruggedized, an- • Integrated mini SV other problem cropped up: weight. “We’ve identi? ed low risk parts, reduc- • Optional, OEM embedded INS ing that weight. And our vehicles, which are priced at $10k each, weigh six pounds and are 35 inches long.” While the bots are small, Owen’s plans for the • Optional, CHIRP Sub Bottom company are anything but, as he eyes multiple opportunities in the traditional 3URðOHU commercial market and academia. “Based on our ? nancial plans, years four and ? ve, we go global, and we are looking to see Jaia robotics be a business that has revenues in excess of $70 million in ? ve year’s time,” said Owen.

www.marinetechnologynews.com

MTR #7 (34-49).indd 35 10/3/2022 12:43:38 PM