Ocean Power Technologies Inc. has acquired Marine Advanced Robotics Inc., a Richmond, California-based developer and manufacturer of autonomous surface vehicles.
(Courtesy Marine Advanced Robotics)
The WAM-V 8 autonomous surface vehicle.
Offshore staff
MONROE TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – Ocean Power Technologies Inc. (OPT) has acquired Marine Advanced Robotics Inc. (MAR), a Richmond, California-based developer and manufacturer of autonomous surface vehicles.
This acquisition provides OPT with an established offshore product line that features roaming capability.
MAR continues to operate under its current brand name as a wholly owned subsidiary of OPT.
Founded in 2004, MAR is the developer of Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V) technology, which enables roaming capabilities for uncrewed equipment in waters around the world. The WAM-V’s structure adapts and conforms to the water’s surface for a smooth and level platform. In addition, inflatable pontoons help absorb motion and force, while hinged engine pods keep propellers in the water and further improve vehicle stability and controllability.
The company has used WAM-V technology to build surface vessels ranging from 8 ft (2.4 m) to 100 ft (30 m) for deployments worldwide. It currently offers three models – the 8-ft WAM-V 8, the 16-ft (5-m) WAM-V 16, and the 23-ft (7-m) WAM-V 22.
