Nauticus Robotics, a company specializing in autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions, today announced the successful completion of the first prototype of its internally developed next-generation electric manipulator, built for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robotic systems.
Designed specifically for autonomous operations, the platform complements the company's existing robotics and software ecosystem while broadening future applications for the Aquanaut vehicle and other subsea robotic platforms. In parallel, Nauticus continues development of the Olympic Arm electric manipulator in collaboration with a partner for traditional remotely operated vehicle (ROV) applications.
Unlike conventional hydraulic systems, Nauticus' modular electric manipulator architecture is designed to reduce maintenance complexity, improve reliability, minimize downtime and lower operating costs while enabling advanced autonomous underwater intervention. The initial prototype features a modular three-joint configuration that serves as the foundation for planned five-joint and seven-joint variants capable of supporting increasingly complex subsea operations.
Integrated with Nauticus ToolKITT software, the manipulator is being developed to autonomously recognize work sites, identify intervention points, compensate for changing underwater conditions and execute precision manipulation tasks with significantly reduced operator input. By combining intelligent perception with autonomous vehicle positioning and manipulator control, Nauticus believes the system can perform complex underwater intervention tasks with greater efficiency and consistency than traditional operator-controlled approaches.
During the first half of 2026, Nauticus successfully completed the initial three-joint prototype and validated basic manipulator movement through its software control architecture. Development teams started functional and load testing this month.
"Autonomous underwater intervention requires more than simply attaching a manipulator to a vehicle," said Ameen Albadri, vice president of engineering, in a statement. "It requires hardware and software designed together from the beginning. Our next-generation electric manipulator is being engineered specifically for autonomous operations, combining a simplified modular mechanical architecture with intelligent perception and control software. We believe this integrated approach will unlock new levels of efficiency, reliability, and capability for underwater robotics while expanding the range of autonomous tasks that subsea vehicles can perform."
Nauticus expects to continue refining the hardware architecture while expanding the platform into five-joint and seven-joint configurations. Additional three-joint prototype builds and testing are planned throughout the remainder of 2026, with the Company's Aquanaut platform serving as the initial integration vehicle for future autonomous field demonstrations.
