Seascape Autonomy Selected as Finalist in Australia's First AI and Robotics Sprint
Announcement posted by OnlyForward 09 Jul 2025
JULY 8, SYDNEY, NSW - Seascape Autonomy has been selected as one of six finalists in the inaugural Propel-AIR program, Australia's first dedicated AI and Robotics Sprint.
The Sydney underwater robotics company will now compete for the opportunity to attend MassRobotics in Boston, the global epicenter of robotics innovation, with its autonomous seafloor mapping platform.
Proven Technology with Growing Demand
Seascape Autonomy's flagship Seeker AUV operates to depths of 300 metres. The system captures high-resolution seafloor imagery and creates 3D mosaics, replacing traditional diver surveys and towed cameras with better image quality and faster operations.
The Seeker (pictured below) has mapped reefs in Tonga, conducted environmental monitoring in Port Phillip Bay, and used for defence applications across Norfolk Island and the Solomon Islands.
"We built the Seeker to meet urgent demand for detailed subsea data in environmental assessment, offshore energy, and defence," said Professor Stefan Williams, Co-founder and Professor of Robotics at the University of Sydney.
"It's cost-effective, scalable, and produces decision-grade information."
The platform delivers species-level recognition through detailed optical imagery, giving decision-makers clearer marine environment assessments than traditional acoustic or towed-camera systems.
Commercial Traction
Seascape Autonomy operates across in three markets: offshore energy (environmental impacts), environmental monitoring, and defence.
"Our focus is scaling precision mapping through multiple AUV deployments. This capability will reshape marine environmental data collection," said Dr Jackson Shields, Co-founder and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Sydney.
Accelerating Commercial Growth
The team secured an Australian Economic Accelerator grant to commercialise the Seeker platform. Through Propel-AIR, Seascape Autonomy is refining its market positioning while expanding connections with venture capital and global industry stakeholders. The program includes exploring international market expansion in the United States.
"We see major commercial opportunity in survey-as-a-service and platform sales. The Seeker's unique features give us competitive advantage through parallel deployments," Professor Williams said.
The ultimate winner of the Propel-AIR robotics sprint will travel to MassRobotics in Boston for a one-month residency. This includes access to companies like Boston Dynamics and iRobot, plus world-class institutions like MIT and Harvard.
ENDS
Seascape Autonomy is an Australian deep-tech robotics company developing next-generation underwater robots that capture detailed images and maps of the ocean floor. These robots help with important tasks like checking the health of marine environments, support offshore wind and energy projects, and assisting defence operations.
Media Contact: Professor Stefan Williams
Co-founder, Seascape Autonomy
Email: Stefan.williams@seascapeautonomy.com
Angela Reed,
ARM Hub Director Marketing and Memberships
