The Future of Manipulator Technology in Advancing Underwater Autonomy

(Image credit: Saab)
Electric manipulators are revolutionizing the ROV industry by offering more precise, efficient, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to the traditional hydraulic systems. As subsea operations in industries like offshore wind, oil & gas, and deep-sea research grow increasingly complex, the demand for more reliable, energy-efficient tools is on the rise.

Electric manipulators provide superior control for delicate tasks, reduce maintenance needs and minimize the risks of oil leaks, which is crucial for protecting marine environment. This technological shift in helping companies boost operational performance, meet stricter environmental regulations, and lower long-term costs, makes electric manipulators an essential innovation in underwater robotics.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Environmental consciousness is becoming a central focus in the subsea industry as both regulatory pressures and market demand for sustainable solutions increase. Across the board, industry is being driven to reduce its carbon footprint, minimize waste, and adopt more energy-efficient technologies. In robotics, this has led to the development of eco-friendly systems that prioritize energy efficiency, use biodegradable or recyclable material, and reduce reliance on hazardous substances like hydraulic fluids.

There is a growing trend towards designing robotics with longer lifespans and lower maintenance needs, helping to reduce electronic waste. As industries push for more sustainable practices, robots are increasingly being developed to not only perform their tasks more efficiently but also to operate in ways that align with global environmental goals.

To fully realize these goals representing the changing attitudes of the industry, Saab has developed the Seaeye eM1-7 Electric Manipulator, the world’s most advanced electric manipulator yet.

SUBSEA RESIDENCY

As industries push for more sustainable practices, offshore operations are evolving to reduce their environmental footprint. One major shift is the move away from large, crewed vessels that consume significant fuel and resources. Instead, smaller, more eco-friendly vessels are now coming online which can be fully autonomous, minimally crewed or remotely controlled over-the-horizon. This approach not only cuts down on emissions, but also minimizes the need for large numbers of offshore personnel, further reducing the environmental and logistical costs of these operations.

A key enabler of this shift is the development of electric and autonomous systems, which offer increased reliability and lower environmental impact compared to traditional hydraulic machinery. These systems are designed to support long-term operations on the seabed, subsea residency, eliminating the need for contact human intervention and large operational footprints.

This is where the eM1-7 comes into play. As a fully electric manipulator, it is tailored to support remote operations and subsea residency, making it a cornerstone of sustainable underwater work. With its advanced feedback and control systems, eM1-7 allows precise operations from smaller vessels, eliminating the need for the heavy infrastructure traditionally required. Its design is part of the broader vision to create resident, work-class ROVs capable of continuous subsea operations, unlocking new possibilities for efficiency and environmental responsibility.

ECO-FRIENDLY MANIPULATOR

The innovation behind eM1-7 lies in its electric drive system, which provides smooth precise control, allowing operators to perform delicate manipulations with accuracy. The eM1-7 is built to withstand harsh underwater environments while requiring less maintenance, reducing downtime and long-term operation costs. By focusing on energy efficient during its design, the eM1-7 provides industries with a robust eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on power or performance, or more specifically the planet’s health.

The eM1-7 is a testament to how far we’ve come in the field of electric manipulators. It combines advanced features with meticulous engineering to redefine what these devices can achieve. At its core, eM17 incorporates compact modular electric joints, revolutionizing arm control with impressive lifting capacities. It can handle up to 122 kg at a full 2-meter extension and a staggering 454 kg at minimum extension.

Constructed from sturdy yet lightweight aluminum, this manipulator is built to last without sacrificing agility. Weighing 116 kg in air and 84 kg underwater, it operates seamlessly at depths up to 4,000 meters, with options extending to 7,000 meters.

One of the eM1-7’s standout features is its intelligent power management system, which efficiently regulates power consumption and handles regenerative power during free-fall loads. Its versatile functionality, including six degrees of freedom and adaptable jaws, provides exceptional dexterity. This versatility, combined with an increased range of motion, significantly enhances the manipulative capabilities within the industry.

THE FUTURE

Precision in position and force feedback, combined with consistent performance and intelligent control, points toward a future of advanced manipulator arm technology. Saab UK’s vision is not only focused on improving manipulation but also on achieving subsea residency, where systems can remain on the seabed for long-term, autonomous operations. With advanced object detection systems, Saab is driving the transition from manual control and supervised autonomy to fully autonomous underwater operations—an important milestone for the industry.

The eM1-7 showcases this forward-looking approach. Its sophisticated control system supports increased automation, reducing the need for operator expertise while ensuring consistent and reliable task execution. This minimizes human intervention in dangerous underwater environments, significantly enhancing operator safety.

As a result, the eM1-7 is not just a technological achievement, but also a key enabler of subsea residency. By pushing the boundaries of control and adaptability, Saab UK is preparing the industry for a future where underwater systems can operate autonomously for extended periods, transforming how we approach underwater robotics. This innovation highlights Saab’s ongoing commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the subsea sector.

Saab’s underwater ecosystem. (Image credit: Saab)

This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology, Vol. 5, to read more access the magazine here.

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