The world beneath the waves is vast, mysterious, and essential. From energy production to marine research, industries worldwide rely on precise underwater operations. Yet, the tools for navigating these depths have often been complex, costly, and fraught with risks. At Tethys Robotics, we set out to change this narrative.
Our journey began with a vision: to empower industries with a state-of-the-art solution for underwater inspections that is efficient, reliable, and accessible. Our team is proud to introduce the culmination of our efforts—the Tethys ONE, a revolutionary hybrid subsea robot that redefines how we explore and manage the underwater realm.
FORM MEETS FUNCTIONALITY
Tethys ONE is not just another remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). It is a seamless blend of both, combining the live control maneuverability of an ROV with autonomous features and intelligence of an AUV.
Weighing just 35 kg (77 lbs) and capable of operating at depths of up to 300 meters (984 feet), this compact yet robust device is engineered for rapid deployment in the most challenging underwater environments. Whether inspecting confined spaces, navigating turbid waters, or withstanding currents up to 2 m/s (3.5 knots), Tethys ONE performs with unparalleled stability and precision, making it an ideal contender for the splash zone.
At the heart of Tethys ONE lies its georeferenced localization technology and cutting- edge control system. These advancements enable omnidirectional movement and stable operations, making Tethys ONE a game-changer for industries that depend on underwater inspections.
TOWARDS FULL AUTONOMY
A standout feature of Tethys ONE is its ability to operate in a highly autonomous mode, paving the way for Tethys Robotics’ vision of full autonomy in the future. Equipped with advanced AI and georeferenced localization, the system can precisely scan and map predefined areas or infrastructures autonomously.
Whether inspecting offshore energy assets, hydropower plants, or completing UXO and SAR missions, Tethys ONE ensures comprehensive coverage with consistent, high-quality data. While full autonomy remains a long-term goal, the current capabilities reduce operational time and allow teams to focus more on analysis and decision- making, setting a new standard for efficiency in underwater operations.
MODULAR & VERSATILE
Underwater operations vary widely in scope and complexity, and Tethys ONE is designed with this diversity in mind. Its modular architecture allows users to integrate a range of payloads, from high-definition cameras and acoustic sensors to metal detectors, manipulators, and UT/ NDT sensors.
Beyond hardware, Tethys ONE features advanced multi-sensor data fusion capabilities, ensuring real-time data consistency and accuracy. Live recording and reporting during missions not only enhances efficiency but also eliminates the need for extended infrastructure downtimes, significantly reducing operational costs.
REWRITING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
The launch of Tethys ONE marks a pivotal moment for industries reliant on underwater operations. Its impact is poised to be felt across a wide spectrum of sectors such as:
- Offshore Energy
- Hydropower
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
- Maritime
In each of these applications, Tethys ONE offers not just a tool, but a paradigm shift. By automating time-intensive tasks, it allows organizations to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring the safety of human operators.
INNOVATION WITH PURPOSE
The development of Tethys ONE was guided by a simple principle: innovation should serve a purpose. At Tethys Robotics, we see technology as a means to address real-world challenges. By integrating safety, efficiency, and cutting-edge performance, Tethys ONE represents the next step in the evolution of underwater robotics.
This achievement is no accident. As a spinoff of ETH Zurich, we draw on the rich tradition of Swiss engineering excellence and innovation. Located in Zurich’s thriving robotics ecosystem, we are part of a community dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating solutions for the most demanding environments.
Tethys ONE is not simply a new product—it is an invitation to reimagine the future of underwater operations. We invite stakeholders and industry leaders to join us in exploring how Tethys ONE can elevate their capabilities by helping them transform underwater operations achieving digitized infrastructure through autonomy, and increased sustainability through predictive maintenance.
Tethys ONE’s state-of-the-art autonomy, precision mapping, and advanced sensor capabilities are set to revolutionize underwater inspections. By enabling fully digitized infrastructure, Tethys ONE helps organizations not only to foster predictive maintenance but also to minimize emissions and help achieve their sustainability goals.
This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 February Edition, Uncrewed, to read more access the magazine here.
