A new era in maritime technology is emerging with the landing of the Sea-Air Integrated Drone—a commercial platform that’s making headlines by flying undisturbed above the ocean and plunging into its depths. Conceived through a six-year partnership among Japanese telecommunications giant KDDI, drone technology specialists ProDrone, and underwater robotics pioneer QYSEA, this revolutionary solution is already redefining the way we tackle offshore and underwater operations.
A Powerhouse Partnership
This achievement is made possible through the union of world-leading capabilities in three main fields: communications, air robotics, and underwater exploration. KDDI undertook to drive the project with a vision in mind—to advance the scope and capability of mobile communications beyond distant marine environments. ProDrone contributed its heavy-lift aerial drone technology, and QYSEA added its reliable FIFISH PRO V6 PLUS, a professional-level underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). What ensues? One unified system that performs both subsea and airborne tasks—no boats, no dive crews, and no equipment switching.
How It Works: Two Technologies, One Seamless System
And here’s where things get impressive: the drone launches off like a traditional airplane and travels long distances over water with the help of state-of-the-art mobile communication networks. When it arrives at its destination, it lands on the surface of the water and releases the underwater drone via a quick-release mechanism. Land-based operators then operate the ROV to perform inspections, maintenance, or data gathering—all in real time, with absolutely no need to set foot on a boat.
This entirely remote process replaces conventional techniques that are too often burdened with lengthy boat trips, expensive equipment, and dangerous dives. Now, all the action is performed from shore, with live imagery, accurate controls, and a set of underwater abilities at your command.
Real-World Impact Across Industries
The Sea-Air Integrated Drone can potentially revolutionize numerous marine industries:
- Offshore wind farms may employ it to examine turbine foundations and sea-bottom supports without endangering human lives or using brash-sea boat transportation.
- Aquaculture farm owners may use it to remotely inspect the health of underwater cages, fish holdings, and sea crops, and even perform repairs with special ROV equipment.
- Shipping and port authorities obtain a cost-effective means for examining submerged parts of ships and structures—no diver required.
- Oil and gas platforms can gain from frequent, safe inspection of underwater equipment, lowering downtime and enhancing safety.
- Search and rescue operations get a big boost, with aerial and underwater scanning combined in one deployable package.
Safety, Speed, and Smarter Operations
One of the largest benefits of this system is how it can drastically increase safety. The teams no longer have to go into dangerous waters or send divers into unknown underwater conditions. Work that would take days and a lot of resources now can be completed quicker, with fewer individuals, and for pennies on the dollar.
And since everything is live-streamed and remotely controlled, teams can make more informed decisions in real-time, and even collaborate simultaneously across locations.
Built for Performance
This isn’t simply a neat tech demonstration—it’s an industrial-grade, high-performance tool. The airborne drone is rugged and stable, with the ability to make precise water landings. The ROV that it totes is feature-rich: HD real-time video, tools in modular pieces for sampling, measurement, and even making minor repairs. It’s all driven by long-range mobile comms technology, providing operators with a dependable connection even where they’re out in the boonies.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for the Future
The Sea-Air Integrated Drone isn’t only fixing today’s issues—it’s leading the way into the future. As industries transition to cleaner, more sustainable offshore operations, equipment that increases efficiency and minimizes environmental impact is vital. This drone system meets the need, providing an intelligent,safer, and more scalable solution to marine work.
Simply put, it’s more than a drone. It’s a step beyond the way we’re going to explore, monitor, and care for the oceans.
