Bedrock Ocean Exploration, a pioneer in autonomous subsea survey and data delivery technologies, is thrilled to publicly announce its active Proof of Technology program. This initiative started this spring and will continue over the course of this summer to showcase the company’s latest generation of AUVs, including advancements in autonomous ocean exploration sensors and systems, demonstrating the significant strides Bedrock has made in subsea mapping technology.

Photo of two of Bedrock’s AUVs operating side by side in the first ocean test of Proof of Technology Program, May 15-17, 2024. A core component of Bedrock’s approach is multi-vehicle fleet operations (more information).

In a significant endorsement of the potential of Bedrock’s technology, a group of ten organizations have already signed on to participate in the program ranging from major offshore wind developers, marine engineering and service providers, surveyors, cultural resource management and maritime archaeology firms: Ørsted, Avangrid, Equinor, Geo SubSea, LLC, S.T. Hudson Engineers, Inc., SEARCH, RECON Offshore, University of West Florida and NV5. Their involvement highlights the industry's recognition of the importance of advanced technological solutions in supporting sustainable and efficient ocean development and critical infrastructure.

“Avangrid is firmly committed to developing offshore wind in an environmentally-responsible manner that protects and preserves our ocean resources, and is excited to work with Bedrock Ocean on its Proof of Technology program for its autonomous underwater vehicle technology. As we continue the construction of our nation-leading Vineyard Wind 1 project and look toward our larger development portfolio, including the New England Wind 1 project, Avangrid remains focused on continuously enhancing the safety and sustainability of our offshore operations, and our work with Bedrock Ocean advances those critical priorities.”
– Sy Oytan, Avangrid Chief Operating Officer, Offshore

“Geo SubSea has been actively promoting the advancement of autonomous technology in the marine environment and specifically for the offshore wind industry. In this vein, we have been working with Bedrock for a number of years supporting their vehicle development on the data sufficiency side, and believe their system is capable of integrating into mainstream survey applications across the offshore renewables sector. We are very excited to collaborate with the Bedrock team as they continue to push this technology forward and improve their offerings and capabilities.”
– Jeff Gardner, President, Geo SubSea, LLC

“SEARCH has always invested in cutting-edge remote sensing technology to locate and identify submerged archaeological sites. Such technology, in synergy with subject matter expertise, is a critical component in safer, more accurate and cost-effective surveys. The new technology that Bedrock has demonstrated for us has the potential to significantly expand SEARCH’s survey capacity, and we are excited to work with Bedrock in the future.”
– John Albertson, Maritime Archaeology Sector Leader at SEARCH

Proof of technology participants will have the unique opportunity to directly engage with Bedrock’s team, including access to data from a series of sea trials for Bedrock’s next generation of autonomous vehicles, which feature proprietary technology and algorithms as well as newly upgraded custom advanced sensors. With the added advancement and capability of our custom parametric sub-bottom profiler, multibeam, and forward looking sonar payloads, Bedrock will be uniquely positioned as one of the only small form-factor, rapid deployable fully electric AUVs capable of collecting a comprehensive non-seismic geophysical survey data package while remaining exempt from most geophysical permits and any requirements related to ITAs and PSOs.

Perspective views of SSS imagery with magnetometer total field superimposed, and a single SBP line draped below collected during the first sea trial.

"We are eager to demonstrate our new technologies and the transformative impacts they will now have on the maritime industry," said Charles Chiau, CEO/CTO/Co-founder of Bedrock Ocean Exploration. "This program is a humble invitation to collaborate with key industry leaders early while we iterate rapidly on our solution together. This opportunity will ensure alignment with the needs of our customers, and respond to feedback to adapt to the changing landscape in near real time. We are pinging."

The proof of technology program will provide an interactive platform for industry leaders, technology enthusiasts, and environmental stakeholders to engage with Bedrock’s innovations. For additional information about Bedrock Ocean Exploration or to learn about how to join the proof of technology program, please contact:

Sales Contact: sales@bedrockocean.com

Media Contact: press@bedrockocean.com