The Underwater Autonomy Gap
The Problem
- Large AUVs are prohibitively expensive: $1M+ hardware, dedicated support vessels, and specialist crews. Only oil majors and navies can operate at this level.
- Divers and hobby ROVs don't scale: Risky operations, slow execution, inconsistent data quality, and zero real autonomy.
- No affordable autonomy exists: Current "micro" platforms are toys. Limited range, no swarm capability, and no serious control systems.
The Solution: Vantage
- A fraction of the cost, built to scale: Nothing on the market delivers real autonomy at this price point. Single-operator launch from docks, beaches, or small vessels with no support ship required.
- Industrial-grade sensors in micro form: 3D-printed oil-filled hull with professional sensor packages and swarm coordination.
- Software-first autonomy: ROS2 stack with SLAM, perception, and advanced control algorithms (LQR/MPC) running on Jetson Orin Nano.
- Open platform architecture: API and payload bay for custom sensors and mission profiles. Built for integration.
Platform Architecture
Six core modules — built for rapid deployment, reliable autonomy, and scale.
Pressure-Tolerant Design
Hot-Swap Battery System
Sonar-Based SLAM
4K Vision System
Swarm-Ready Architecture
Technical Specifications
Compact form factor enables rapid deployment without support vessels or specialized equipment.
- Single-operator deployment from docks, beaches, or small craft
- No crane or launch system required
- Fits in standard backpack for field portability
- Enables swarm operations with multiple units
Deep-rated pressure tolerance covers majority of coastal and harbor operations.
- Covers 95% of port and harbor environments
- Suitable for offshore wind foundation inspections
- Oil-filled hull design prevents crushing
- Reliable operation at depth without expensive materials
Extended mission time with hot-swappable battery system for continuous operations.
- Complete harbor sweeps in single deployment
- Hot-swap batteries in minutes for all-day ops
- Sufficient for typical inspection and mapping missions
- Power-efficient autonomy extends runtime
Full six degrees of freedom control enables precision maneuvering in complex environments.
- Hover stability for detailed inspections
- Navigate tight spaces under piers and structures
- Precise positioning for high-quality sensor data
- Advanced LQR/MPC control algorithms
Sonar-based SLAM enables autonomous navigation and 3D mapping in zero-visibility conditions.
- Navigate and map in murky harbor water where cameras fail
- Build real-time 3D maps of underwater structures
- GPS-denied navigation for under-pier operations
- Repeatable autonomous surveys for change detection
High-resolution 4K camera captures critical visual data for inspection and surveillance missions.
- Record detailed footage of underwater infrastructure
- Inspect pipes, cables, and hull integrity with clarity
- Document security threats and anomalies
- Archive visual evidence for compliance reporting
Powerful embedded AI computer enables real-time autonomy and onboard processing.
- Run complex SLAM algorithms onboard in real-time
- Process 4K video and sensor fusion simultaneously
- Edge AI for object detection and classification
- Low power consumption for extended missions
Open-source ROS2 framework with advanced control algorithms for research and integration.
- Industry-standard platform for easy integration
- LQR and MPC controllers for optimal trajectory tracking
- Modular architecture for custom mission planning
- Active community support and extensibility
Innovative oil-filled hull design achieves deep ratings without expensive pressure housings.
- 3D printing enables rapid iteration and custom geometries
- Oil-filled cavity eliminates pressure differentials
- Cost-effective manufacturing at scale
- Robust protection for electronics at depth
Quick-change battery system enables continuous operations without long charging downtime.
- Swap batteries in minutes between missions
- Operate multiple units with rotating battery pool
- No need to wait for charging during time-critical ops
- Standardized battery packs for logistics simplicity
Modular platform with open API enables custom sensor integration and mission flexibility.
- Add custom sensors for specialized missions
- Open API for third-party software integration
- Payload bay accommodates additional instruments
- Adapt platform for evolving mission requirements
Coordinate multiple AUVs for rapid area coverage and complex mission execution.
- Deploy swarms for large-scale harbor sweeps
- Distributed sensing covers more area faster
- Collaborative mapping and data fusion
- Resilient operations with redundancy
Competitive Advantage
Price Point
Sub-$15k per unit vs. $1M+ traditional AUVs
Deployment
Single-operator "throw-and-go" vs. support ships & crews
Integration
Open API + ROS2 stack vs. closed proprietary systems
Mission-Critical Applications
Coastal Defense & Port Security
- Rapid harbor sweeps & hull inspections
- Pier & critical infrastructure checks
- Naval, coast guard & port authority operations
- Backpack-deployable swarms replace diver ops
Offshore Wind & Subsea Infrastructure
- Autonomous turbine foundation inspections
- Subsea cable & pipeline monitoring
- Fleet deployment cuts vessel costs
- Reduced inspection downtime for energy operators
Marine Research & Survey
- Open ROS2 platform for multi-AUV experiments
- Environmental mapping & oceanographic research
- Advanced autonomy research at accessible cost
- University & lab-ready integration
Harbor & Under-Pier Reconnaissance
- Rapid underwater surveillance & threat detection
- Infrastructure assessment in complex environments
- Naval special ops & security team deployment
- GPS-denied navigation under piers & structures
Post-Event Infrastructure Assessment
- Rapid damage assessment after storms or collisions
- Security threat evaluation underwater
- Repeatable autonomous surveys for change detection
- Consistent data for compliance & decision-making
3D Mapping & Survey Operations
- High-res sonar SLAM for detailed 3D maps
- Seafloor, structure & marine environment mapping
- Baseline surveys & change detection monitoring
- Multi-AUV coordinated survey coverage
Meet the Founders
Samuel Scrivens
- Owns autonomy, optimal control algorithms, state estimation, and AUV simulations
- Rigorous background in autonomous vehicle control, including owning autonomy for an AUV demoed at Slush 2025
Shrey Naphade
- Leads CAD, structural design, software systems, hardware integration, and end-to-end manufacturing of the Vantage platform
- Former design and systems engineer at MHIRJ Aviation, where he developed aircraft structural repairs in CATIA V5, turning in-service damage into manufacturable fixes under tight timelines
Daniel Scrivens
- Owns outbound outreach: LinkedIn, email campaigns, and conference follow-ups
- Builds content: demos, videos, and social to showcase missions and field tests
Scott Lu
- Provides legal guidance and strategic counsel
- Ensures regulatory compliance and IP protection
Interested in pilots, partnerships, or investment?
PELAGOS