Poland’s underwater robotics firm SR Robotics (SRR) has secured over €8.4 million (US$9.9 million) in funding from Vinci, a fund managed by the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego Group.

The investment aims to enhance SRR’s production capacity, expand its robotic fleet through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, and establish new training and operational centers.

Founded in 2017 and based in Katowice, SRR specializes in remotely operated and autonomous underwater robots.

Its technology is used for tasks such as seabed mapping, securing underwater infrastructure, and neutralizing unexploded ordnance.

SRR’s robots use AI to analyze sensor data and identify submerged objects.

The funding will also support educational initiatives in collaboration with institutions such as the Maritime University in Gdynia and the Silesian University of Technology.

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🔗 Source: EU-Startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ The underwater robotics market is experiencing explosive growth amid rising security concerns

SR Robotics is entering a rapidly expanding market, with global underwater robotics projected to grow from approximately $5 billion in 2023 to over $13 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of 14.5% 1.

This growth coincides with increasing threats to underwater infrastructure, as evidenced by recent incidents like the Baltic Sea cable cuts in November 2024, which raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage 2.

Europe currently dominates with a 32-34% market share, positioning Poland-based SR Robotics strategically within the region leading this technological evolution 3.

The timing of this investment is particularly significant as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) still command approximately 79% of market revenue, while autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), a focus area for SR Robotics, are growing at a faster rate of around 17.8% annually 4.

The dual-use civil/defense approach adopted by SR Robotics aligns with industry trends, with companies like Oceaneering, Saab AB, and Kongsberg developing similar versatile platforms that serve both commercial and security applications 1.

2️⃣ Underwater infrastructure protection emerges as a critical national security priority

The investment in SR Robotics reflects growing concerns about threats to submarine infrastructure, with Russia’s underwater reconnaissance capabilities specifically identified as risks to global communication networks 5.

Recent incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities, with undersea cables increasingly viewed as potential military targets by state actors like China and Russia according to 2024 research 6.

The Polish government’s backing through Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego demonstrates how European nations are prioritizing domestic capabilities for underwater security, moving beyond traditional defense spending into critical infrastructure protection.

This focus on underwater security technologies is particularly important for Poland given its strategic Baltic Sea position and plans for offshore wind development, both of which create additional underwater assets requiring protection.

The development of domestic expertise in this field addresses a crucial vulnerability, as approximately 90% of international data travels through undersea cables that have historically lacked robust protection systems 1.

3️⃣ Environmental applications represent a growing market driver beyond security concerns

SR Robotics’ focus on environmentally friendly ship hull cleaning targets a significant economic and ecological challenge, as fuel costs represent approximately 60% of maritime transport expenses and biofouling can increase consumption by up to 10%.

This application has gained additional relevance with the introduction of CO₂ charges (ETS) in maritime transport, creating regulatory incentives for shipping companies to adopt solutions that reduce emissions.

The global maritime shipping industry accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions while handling 90% of international trade, making efficiency improvements a significant opportunity for both cost savings and environmental impact 4.

By offering these technologies through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, SR Robotics follows an industry trend toward subscription-based services that lower barriers to adoption for end users, allowing more widespread implementation without requiring large capital investments 7.

This approach allows companies to access advanced robotics technologies that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive, potentially accelerating the environmental benefits across the maritime shipping industry.

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