WEST TECH REPORT
Cellula Robotics leads the underwater revolution BY SOHAIL KAMAL, WEST COAST CORRESPONDENT minimal human interaction and infrastructure. Being based in BC offers Cellula numerous advantages. “This region is a hub for marine robotics technology, and we’ve benefited immensely from the talent pool here,” says Johnson. Being in close community with other marine robotics firms boosts collaboration and knowledge sharing for this technology. Additionally, BC’s geography provides easy access to test locations for AUVs. But looking ahead into 2024, Johnson anticipates challenges: “Recruiting experienced personnel is a hurdle. Government and commercial procurement processes are slow and inflationary pressures coupled with supply chain issues are constant battles.” Despite these global challenges, Cellula Robotics will leverage its innovative prowess and commitment to excellence to overcome. https://www.cellula.com Sohail Kamal is EP&T’s West Coast correspondent. sohail@nextgear.ca
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Photo: Cellula Robotics
In the heart of BC a technological renaissance is unfolding. Cellula Robotics, a beacon of innovation in the subsea robotics industry, is charting a course for the future, leveraging a unique ecosystem to drive global change in underwater surveyance.West Coast Report connects with Alex Johnson, Cellula’s director of autonomous underwater Cellula aims to redefine subsea security with its autonomous robotics. vehicles (AUV) products, about the firm’s vision and the challeng- autonomous marine robotic exceptional energy density and es in the arctic. solutions. The firm believes lightweight properties, enabling “The worldwide demand its technology and experience the vehicles to outperform comfor subsea robotics is surging,” can redefine subsea security by petitors. The hydrogen fuel cell says Johnson. “Canada needs to deploying autonomous robotics also expands its range, enabling port-to-port missions without invest heavily in this technology, solutions on a large scale. especially for offshore renewable “We see vast opportunities the need for the support of a serenergy, telecoms cable inspec- in both the commercial and vice ship, thus further reducing tion, security and defence.” defence sectors. Our goal is to the total carbon footprint. The Canadian Arctic, with Given Canada’s expansive provide cost-effective solutions territories and sparse population, to challenges in sustainable en- its cold, remoteness and ice, robotics and autonomy offer a ergy and security,” Johnson says. poses significant challenges. “It unique solution to the challenges Cellula sets itself apart through holds strategic importance for the innovative use of hydrogen shipping, resources, sovereignty, on industry and defence. “We’re poised to seize global fuel cell technology, particularly climate change, and defence,” opportunities, especially when in its Solus-XR XLUUV (Ex- Johnson states. Solus-XR is industries or defence sectors tra-Large Unmanned Underwa- designed to operate in GPS decide to invest seriously in these ter Vehicle). Hydrogen fuel cells at communication denied are the most efficient, air-inde- environments, like below the technologies,” he adds. Cellula’s mission is clear: to pendent power source for large ice, autonomously. The design be the world leader in trusted, AUVs. This technology offers ensures it can function with
