Antares Ventures-backed Open Ocean Robotics has officially launched its first commercially available uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), DataXplorer Gen 2, marking a significant step in the commercialization of autonomous maritime technology.
With Southeast Asia handling 25% of global trade and being home to four of the world’s top 20 container ports, maritime innovation is no longer optional—it is essential. However, port congestion, environmental pressures, and regulatory mandates such as IMO 2030’s 40% emissions reduction target are driving the urgent need for smarter, more sustainable solutions.
Led by CEO and co-founder Julie Angus, Open Ocean Robotics is addressing these challenges with autonomous, solar-powered USVs designed for maritime security, environmental monitoring, and offshore operations. The newly launched DataXplorer Gen 2 builds on the company’s existing capabilities, offering enhanced endurance, improved sensing and data collection, and greater autonomy for long-range deployments. This allows for scalable, real-time ocean monitoring without the costs, risks, or emissions of traditional crewed vessels.
DataXplorer Gen 2 is an autonomous, solar-powered, uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) designed for persistent ocean monitoring across coastal and open-sea environments. With a zero-emission design, long endurance, and self-righting capability, it is ideal for maritime security, environmental monitoring, hydrographic surveys, and scientific research.
Equipped with AI-powered detection systems, it can identify non-AIS vessels, classify underwater acoustic signals, and provide real-time ocean intelligence through its Enhanced Horizon and Underwater Listener technologies. The XplorerView cloud platform enables live data access and remote mission control, ensuring efficient, data-driven decision-making.
With a modular design, DataXplorer Gen 2 adapts to various mission needs, making it a versatile tool for maritime operations and sustainable ocean management.
While deeptech breakthroughs are transforming industries, the path from innovation to large-scale adoption remains challenging. Successful commercialization requires more than just funding—it demands strategic partnerships, market access, and regional expertise.
Antares Ventures, which co-led Open Ocean Robotics’ investment in 2023, has been actively facilitating the company’s expansion into Asia Growth Markets, where demand for maritime monitoring, blue economy innovation, and ocean sustainability is rising.
“Deeptech commercialization is not just about capital—it’s about finding the right partners and markets to scale innovation effectively. With Southeast Asia’s vast coastlines and maritime trade corridors, there is an urgent need for efficient ocean robotics solutions that can support sustainability and security goals.”
The launch of DataXplorer Gen 2 highlights the importance of investors, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in bringing deeptech solutions to market. By aligning breakthrough technologies with real-world needs, Antares Ventures helps accelerate the adoption of solutions that address some of the most pressing global maritime challenges.
With DataXplorer Gen 2 now available, Open Ocean Robotics is poised to drive real-world impact—enhancing maritime security, enabling environmental protection, and optimizing offshore industrial operations. These innovations are particularly relevant in Asia Growth Markets, where autonomous solutions can improve border security, illegal fishing surveillance, marine biodiversity monitoring, and the efficiency of offshore energy projects.
Watch the launch video below to see the DataXplorer Gen 2 in action, and contact them for more info.
Open Ocean Robotics is a leader in autonomous ocean data collection, providing solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) that operate at sea for months, collecting real-time data without emissions, fuel costs, or risk to human crews. Its solutions support applications in maritime security, environmental monitoring, and offshore operations—helping industries and governments make informed decisions while reducing the environmental footprint of ocean data collection.
Antares Ventures is a Singapore-based deeptech venture capital firm investing globally in breakthrough innovations that address the critical challenges of Asia Growth Markets. As a strategic partner to early-stage deeptech startups, Antares Ventures provides capital, regional insights, and corporate networks to scale transformative technologies. The firm focuses on decarbonization, energy transition, mobility, maritime, and the future of humanity, working closely with governments, corporates, and institutional investors to accelerate deeptech commercialization.
