This guide, the Uncrewed Vehicle Buyers’ Guide (UVBG), was conceived back in 2015 to serve as an easy-to-use “catalog” of tried-and-tested unmanned systems in the field. Over the years, the UVBG has evolved substantially following our attempts to keep pace with the rapid commercial maturation of applied marine robotics. Given the swell of interest, along the way we have introduced several new features—such as the new Data as a Service (DaaS) section to better serve “buyers” wanting to invest in the benefits of uncrewed systems, without acquiring the hardware—to enhance the utility of the UVBG as an essential online resource.
Now in its eleventh year, this is certainly our most comprehensive edition to date.
DIVERSIFICATION SIGNALS GROWTH
Over the last 12 months, the UVBG has grown significantly. In terms of listings alone, by 28%. There are several market forces driving change, naturally, but the technical advances in engineering capabilities, facilitated by innovations in composite materials, the integration of AI-led controls, and new monitoring and remote sensing technologies are effectively recalibrating the conventional form and factor of USVs, AUVs, ROVs, and other towed bodies in line with customer demands. The result is industry expansion through product diversification.
As per the UVBG, uncrewed assets of this nature continue to coalesce under definitive category “classes” based on intended use and endurance. Take ROVs, for example; most COTS models can be distinguished as an Observation Class or Work Class system. But amid design breakthroughs in micro ROVs, Light Work Class ROVs, Electric ROVs, and hybrid ROV/AUV vehicles, this diversification will gradually demand finer definition.
The same can be said across all other vehicle categories. This edition’s USV listings are up by 40%, with a broadening range of dimensions, from person-portable plug-and-play models to transatlantic USVs. AUVs are trending in a similar vein, with XLUUV prototypes fighting for the limelight alongside handheld models of shrinking proportions, ideal for underwater inspection tasks.
MORE THAN A BUYERS’ GUIDE
The aim of the UVBG is to document this burgeoning tech-space in the most intuitive way possible, while also punctuating detailed listings with exclusive insights from industry pioneers. Our commitment is also to keep the UVBG as updated as is feasible, so if you have a vehicle that you would like listed, get in touch.
The Uncrewed Vehicles Buyers’ Guide is not just for “buyers”; it is designed as a one-stop shop for any ocean professional needing to understand the fast-changing commercial landscape for enabling leaner, greener, and safer ways of working in marine environments. It seeks to conveniently present an unfolding menu of tech-focused solutions as part of ON&T’s long-standing commitment to reporting the latest news, views, and insights from the world of water-based robotics at www.oceannews.com/uncrewed.
BROADENING HORIZONS
The continued integration and influence of these uncrewed marine vehicles as scalable operational substitutes and force multipliers in the field will, of course, hinge on the many supply chains that support their successful application. That includes sensor suite options. That’s why ON&T’s sister publication, environment coastal & offshore (eco), launched a Marine Instruments Buyers’ Guide (MIBG) in 2024, to help profile this broadening array of options that further push the boundaries of what uncrewed vehicles can achieve. Visit www.ecomagazine.com/instruments for more details.
As always, we welcome all feedback and suggestions as to how ON&T can serve this prospering industry—drop us a line at [email protected].
This spotlight appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 July Special Edition, Uncrewed Vehicles Buyers’ Guide, to read more access the magazine here.
