While students at the University of West Australia, Xavier Orr met Chris Shaw. Xavier was writing a thesis on neural networking, the foundations of what AI is today. Chris was completing his studies for a degree in electrical engineering. They both had part-time jobs related to the drone industry and a common interest in the navigational principles that support drone technology. Over lunch one day they shared how they both had an idea about starting a company based on implementing AI, navigation, and drones. In 2010, Xavier and Chris established Advanced Navigation. Working out of a garage in Subiaco, a suburb of Perth, the duo developed their first AI-enabled drone systems.

By 2023, Advanced Navigation had a range of AI drones for aerial, terrestrial, and submersible operations. They were even awarded a grant to help send a new mission to the moon. This funding allowed them to open a full scale factory to launch their drone products to the next level. At the opening ceremony of the factory, Australia’s Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic said, “You look at the way this company has been around for just over ten years and they defied the orthodoxy that had been in place for over 50 years and to challenge the notion that this is the way things have always been done.” Today, Advance Navigation’s drones are being used as autonomous solutions for fields in agriculture, defense, surveying, mining, space, and more.

One of their products that is drawing a lot of attention is their underwater drone, Hydrus. Several factors set Hydrus apart from most other submersible drones. The two most noticeable differences are the size of Hydrus and its power source. Most submersible drones are bulky, heavy vehicles that rely on a tether to supply power and navigational control. Hydrus is compact, lightweight, and has a rechargeable onboard battery. The drone somewhat resembles a watermelon in shape and size. It weighs 14.7lbs, has a max speed of 2 knots, can dive up to 3,280ft, and has a travel range of 1.2 miles. It is small enough that a person can simply toss it into the water from a small boat, off a pier, or even from the shoreline. It doesn’t need to be tethered, when its battery is running low, the drone will automatically return to a docking station which can even be stored underwater.

The Hydrus drone is also fully autonomous. Using Xavier’s AI system, the drone is programmed to complete a mission, released into the environment, and does everything on its own, As explained on Advanced Navigation’s website, “Hydrus takes the drone revolution underwater, with the most advanced navigation and communication systems of any subsea vehicle. It contains a DVL, USBL, INS, acoustic and optical modem, all tightly integrated. This enables highly reliable, fully autonomous underwater missions at your fingertips. It also provides obstacle detection and collision avoidance.” This means that virtually anyone can safely use the drone. With such capabilities, Hydrus can revolutionize the way people have access to ocean study.

Another aspect that is unique to Hydrus is its affordability. While some might balk at saying $45,000 is affordable for a drone, Hydrus is not an off-the-shelf aerial drone. It is a bespoke, AI-enabled, underwater drone with superior functionality, ease of use, and incredible imaging capabilities. Compared to other submersible drones, those that are cumbersomely large and rely on a tethered power and navigational source, Hydrus is a fraction of the cost. Hydrus goes beyond exploring the depths of the ocean. As Xavier explains, the drone can be used in multiple commercial industries. “Whether you’ve got pipes, internet cables, bridge footing and any kind of infrastructure within a harbor, port, or river that needs regular maintenance and inspection,” he said, “it can take on that job that would otherwise be quite laborious.”

As technology continues to advance, the innovations emerging from Advanced Navigation highlight a significant leap in the capabilities of submersible drones. Hydrus exemplifies how cutting-edge AI and compact design can transform the way we explore and interact with the underwater world. With its autonomous functionality, impressive range, and affordability, Hydrus is set to make a substantial impact across various industries, from oceanography to infrastructure inspection. Advanced Navigation’s achievements are a testament to the potential that lies in merging artificial intelligence with practical, real-world applications.

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