Skarv Technologies is preparing to launch a new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) aimed at addressing the complex challenges of underwater data collection. Central to this design is the integration of Water Linked’s Sonar 3D-15, a technology that will enhance the AUV’s ability to perform close-range seafloor mapping and navigate around obstacles, even in murky waters.
This partnership between Skarv and Water Linked is a natural fit: Skarv brings expertise in data processing, optical sensors, and AUV design, while Water Linked contributes its specialized knowledge in acoustic sensing.
Beyond technology, both companies share a vision for advancing underwater exploration with smart, integrated solutions. We recently had an opportunity to talk about this partnership with Trygve Olav Fossum, CEO of Skarv Technologies.
The Skarv team, from left to right: Petter Norgren-Aamot (CTO), Trygve Olav Fossum (CEO), Øystein Sture (CIO), Tore Mo-Bjørkelund (Head of Operations).
Building a Vision: The Start of Skarv
Skarv Technologies began as a collaboration between passionate experts in marine cybernetics and AI, with a mission to optimize underwater data retrieval. Fossum, who holds a PhD in AI for underwater vehicles, envisioned an end-to-end solution that combines sensor technology, data processing, and intuitive usability.
Driven by this vision, Skarv became a vertically integrated company, developing its own AUVs, optical sensors, and processing tools—all tailored for the demanding conditions of close-range seafloor mapping.
“Our goal is to empower autonomous data collection with smarter robotics and more effective tools”.
Oliver Skisland (CEO, Water Linked) and Trygve Olav Fossum (CEO, Skarv Technologies) at Water Linked HQ.
The Journey to Water Linked’s Sonar 3D-15
The connection with Water Linked began during Skarv’s university days, where the team was inspired by Water Linked's work in underwater acoustics. Through NATO DIANA, Skarv witnessed the potential of Water Linked’s Sonar 3D-15—a powerful 3D sonar solution enabling precise close-range navigation even in turbid waters.
Skarv was impressed by the ambition and technical breakthroughs that made the Sonar 3D-15 possible, viewing it as a unique addition to their AUV. As Skarv’s CEO noted:
“It is the first time I’ve seen such a major step forward in acoustic sensing, and I’m deeply impressed by the years of research and vision it represents.”
What does the 3D sonar mean for the new Skarv AUV?
The new Skarv AUV, Corax, is built to address common challenges in underwater navigation, offering a modular and versatile design. This adaptability means the AUV can accommodate a range of sensors, allowing for tailored mission objectives.
With the help of the Sonar 3D-15, the AUV can excel at close-range inspections and seafloor mapping, utilizing both optical and acoustic data for a comprehensive view of underwater environments.
The Sonar 3D-15 integration helps the AUV to:
- Navigate challenging environments with precise spatial awareness.
- Detect and track objects, utilizing optical and acoustical sensing inputs
- Enable a more reliable and robust form of autonomous operation
According to Skarv Technologies, this AUV represents “the first integrated vehicle that truly can excel at autonomous optical and acoustic data collection”. The new AUV combines AI-driven analysis with multi-sensor fusion of optical and acoustic data, enabling new modes of underwater surveying.
A Holistic, End-to-End Solution
Skarv’s AUV offers the rare capability of delivering fully processed reports without requiring expert-level data interpretation and post-processing. This enables even smaller teams to gather and analyze valuable underwater data with ease.
Similar to what the invention of aerial drones achieved for exploration above water, Skarv envisions a future where underwater exploration is accessible and intuitive, opening new doors for new actors to contribute to environmental monitoring, offshore energy, and aquaculture. Fossum states:
“Our AUV doesn’t just collect raw data—it provides actionable insights, making it a tool for organizations of all sizes.”
Local innovation
Skarv’s collaboration with Water Linked represents more than just technological integration. The companies, both based in Trondheim, Norway, share a commitment to local innovation. Skarv values Water Linked’s dedication to in-house production and pioneering R&D, which provides a supportive ecosystem for Skarv’s growth.
Looking ahead, Skarv Technologies sees the Sonar 3D-15 as a catalyst for expanding the capabilities of AUVs across various industries. By lowering technological barriers, Skarv believes that enhanced AUVs will open up possibilities previously considered too costly or complex.
Bannister effect
Skarv's CEO touches on the concept of the Bannister Effect to describe how breakthroughs in underwater technology can change the current operational practice. Just as Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile showed athletes that previously unthinkable goals were possible, advancements like Water Linked’s Sonar 3D-15 are setting new standards for what can be achieved in underwater sensing and navigation. Fossum explains:
“When barriers we once thought unachievable are broken, a mental shift happens that enables many others to push past it.”
Water Linked's Sonar 3D-15 and DVL A125 integrated on a demo of the nose of the Skarv AUV (Corax)
By incorporating Water Linked’s 3D sonar into their new AUV, Skarv hopes to create a similar shift, inspiring more accessible, precise, and efficient underwater exploration tools across the industry. This partnership demonstrates how innovative technology can drive the kind of change that benefits not just individual companies but the entire field, sparking further advancements in AUVs, ROVs, and beyond.
Fossum explains:
“We’re on the cusp of a new era in ocean exploration, where tools like the Sonar 3D-15 allow us to break down traditional barriers. The potential is vast, and we’re excited to see where it leads.”
With its sights set on revolutionizing underwater technology, Skarv Technologies is positioned at the forefront of a movement that promises safer, smarter, and more insightful underwater missions.
Find more information about Skarv's AUV Corax here:
https://skarvtech.com/products/vehicles
Find more information about Water Linked's Sonar 3D-15 here:
https://waterlinked.com/3dsonar/sonar-3d-15