Boeing buys Liquid Robotics to boost autonomous maritime operations

Boeing has acquired autonomous maritime technology developer Liquid Robotics with the aim of growing its “seabed-to-space autonomous capabilities”.

“With Liquid Robotics’ innovative technology and Boeing’s leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions, we are helping our customers address maritime challenges in ways that make existing platforms smarter, missions safer and operations more efficient,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

In September 2014, Boeing and Liquid Robotics entered into a teaming agreement which resulted in the development of the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC), a version of Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider.

The Wave Glider was the first wave and solar-powered autonomous ocean robot. The robot has traveled more than 1 million nautical miles so far, Boeing said.

“This acquisition allows us to leverage the strengths of one of the world’s leading global companies while continuing to push our innovation to new levels,” said Gary Gysin, president and CEO of Liquid Robotics.

Liquid Robotics has approximately 100 employees in California and Hawaii. The company will become a subsidiary of Boeing operating under its current business model and reporting to Kory Mathews, vice president of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The companies did not disclose the terms of the agreement.