Norway’s Blueye Robotics launched two new remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), the X3 Ultra and X7, expanding its lineup with modular systems designed for underwater inspection, research and exploration. The X3 Ultra features a 305-meter depth rating, 4K video, a tilting camera, 3,300-lumen lighting and up to five hours of runtime with an upgraded battery.
The X7 targets deeper and more demanding missions with a 500-meter depth rating, seven thrusters that enable six degrees of freedom maneuverability, 10,000 lumens of lighting and seven powered ports for accessories such as grippers, sonar and environmental sensors. Both models support tablet, smartphone or joystick control via a tethered Wi-Fi connection.
For operators, the ROVs provide flexible, professional-grade underwater imaging and inspection tools in compact, customizable platforms.
Image Credit: Blueye Robotics
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Modular Underwater Robotics
- Compact ROV platforms with powered accessory ports create new value in configurable inspection, sampling and sensing systems for specialized marine operations.
- Deep-sea Remote Inspection
- Higher depth ratings, stronger lighting and precise maneuverability are reshaping asset monitoring by reducing reliance on divers and large support vessels.
- Mobile-controlled Marine Systems
- Tablet, smartphone and joystick interfaces make professional underwater robotics more accessible to distributed teams managing inspections, research and exploration workflows.
Sectors Adopting This
- Marine Technology
- Advanced commercial ROVs expand the market for interoperable subsea hardware, imaging tools and sensor ecosystems across offshore and coastal applications.
- Offshore Energy
- Underwater inspection platforms with modular payloads support more frequent infrastructure assessments for wind farms, oil platforms, pipelines and subsea cables.
- Environmental Research
- Portable robotic systems with cameras, sonar and environmental sensors enable richer ocean data collection for conservation, climate science and aquatic monitoring.
