Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Autonomous vehicle from Canadian Cellula Robotics traveled over 2,024 kilometers fully submerged, completed 385 hours of operation, and reinforced the use of hydrogen fuel cells in long submarine missions, with fewer recoveries, greater continuity in data collection, and direct impact on offshore operations.
A submarine drone developed by Canadian Cellula Robotics Ltd traveled over 2,024 kilometers fully submerged, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, and completed a 385-hour mission without needing to surface, marking a milestone for long-duration autonomous underwater operations.
The Envoy autonomous underwater vehicle, formerly known as Solus-LR, was built by the company based in Burnaby, British Columbia. During the operation, the equipment exceeded the published performance specifications for the platform and executed a mission considered closer to real-world scenarios.
Submarine drone exceeds 2,024 km in fully submerged mission
The mission was treated as a more realistic demonstration of Envoy’s useful range, as it was not limited to a simple straight-line displacement. The route involved a representative underwater operational profile, with maneuvers and conditions that increase energy consumption.
-
Between Alaska and Siberia, there is an abyss on the sea floor, a submarine trench 2,600 meters deep that surpasses the Grand Canyon in vertical scale and hosts one of the rarest ecosystems on the planet.
-
End of separate pressure cooker, air fryer, and electric pot? Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid combines 15 functions, three cooking modes, and a smart lid to cook, fry, bake, and steam in the same device.
-
Super airplane Phantom 3500 advances towards its first flight, promising 60% lower fuel consumption, a windowless cabin, operation above 51,000 feet, technology validated by DARPA, and a billion-dollar order of 300 jets before certification.
-
In addition to cars, BYD is already testing 10 heavy 6×2 electric trucks in Brazil with a recharge time of just 10 minutes, a range of 220 km, and a new battery inspired by the brand’s automobiles to revolutionize freight transport.
Over the 385 hours, the submarine drone performed more than 4,000 turns and maneuvers. Each additional movement required more energy from the system, which made the result more relevant for uses where autonomous vehicles need to map the seabed, inspect infrastructure, and navigate unpredictable environments.
Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics, emphasized that the importance of the result lies in the fact that the distance was covered with the vehicle fully submerged. For him, the mission profile better reflects real submarine operations than a test performed only in a straight line.
Hydrogen powered the Envoy during 385-hour operation
The Envoy AUV measures approximately 8.5 meters in length, has a 1-meter diameter, and an approximate displacement of 3,700 kg. The platform also features smaller configurations, developed to meet specific mission needs and enhance its adaptation to different operational scenarios.
During the mission, the vehicle was powered by hydrogen fuel cells supplied by Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc., a company based in Connecticut. The company designs advanced PEM fuel cell systems and electrolyzers for aerospace, underwater, and defense applications.
Instead of relying solely on batteries, the fuel cell generated electricity onboard during the operation. The system produced only water as a byproduct, reinforcing the application of hydrogen in underwater missions where autonomy is a central point.
Manning stated that this type of autonomy can reduce recoveries, enable more continuous operations, and increase offshore efficiency. The ability to remain submerged for longer periods is considered an important factor for operators who rely on constant data and less operational interruption.
Autonomy can reduce recoveries and expand offshore use
Cellula Robotics considers autonomy a decisive element for cost and efficiency in submarine operations. Fully submerged missions for longer periods reduce the need to recover and relaunch the vehicle, decreasing downtime and maintaining more continuous data collection.
This aspect holds special weight offshore, where operations can face limitations due to weather, vessel access, and complex logistics. The less intervention required, the greater the possibility of keeping long-range autonomous missions underway.
William Smith, President and CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, stated that the milestone shows what hydrogen fuel cells can enable in real submarine operations. He also highlighted the technology’s role in increasing autonomy and reducing the need for interventions.
Suction anchor extends permanence in hostile environments
The Envoy is equipped with a suction anchor capable of securing the vehicle to the seabed during prolonged missions in hostile underwater environments. This feature allows continuous monitoring and data collection in operations requiring on-site presence.
The platform can be applied in activities ranging from scientific research to national security. Its ability to remain submerged, generate onboard power, and operate for long periods expands the scope of missions in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Cellula Robotics assessed that the result demonstrates the persistent and long-range performance of an AUV in a real underwater operational context. For the company, the submarine drone reinforces hydrogen fuel cells as a viable and practical technology for prolonged autonomous underwater operations.
Be the first to react!