Skana Robotics Breaks Underwater Communication Barriers
How do underwater robots communicate without surfacing, risking exposure or failure? That question has long challenged naval forces, researchers, and energy companies. Skana Robotics now claims it has an answer. The Tel Aviv–based startup has developed a new AI-powered system that allows fleets of autonomous underwater vehicles to communicate across long distances while staying submerged. If proven at scale, the technology could reshape underwater defense, infrastructure security, and maritime operations worldwide.
Credit: Skana RoboticsWhy Underwater Communication Has Always Been So Hard
Underwater communication remains one of the most difficult problems in maritime robotics. Radio signals degrade quickly underwater, forcing most autonomous vessels to surface periodically to transmit data. That workaround creates security risks, especially in defense or sensitive infrastructure monitoring missions. It also breaks mission continuity and reduces the autonomy these robots were designed to provide. As fleets grow larger, coordination becomes even harder. Until now, most solutions focused on hardware improvements rather than intelligent coordination.
Skana Robotics’ AI-Powered Fleet Communication Approach
Skana Robotics is tackling the problem at the software level. The company has added a new capability to its fleet management platform, SeaSphere, enabling groups of underwater robots to communicate with each other while remaining submerged. Using AI-driven decision-making, vessels can share data, interpret signals from nearby units, and adjust behavior in real time. Instead of acting as isolated machines, each robot becomes part of a coordinated network. This shift moves underwater robotics closer to true swarm intelligence.
How SeaSphere Enables Autonomous Collaboration
SeaSphere doesn’t just relay messages—it enables interpretation and response. When one vessel detects a change in conditions or identifies a potential threat, that information can propagate through the fleet. Each unit then autonomously decides how to respond while still contributing to the overall mission. This distributed intelligence reduces the need for constant human oversight. It also allows fleets to remain operational even if individual units lose contact. The result is a more resilient and adaptable underwater system.
Why Skana Uses Older, More Predictable AI Models
Interestingly, Skana’s breakthrough doesn’t rely on large language models or cutting-edge generative AI. According to the company, predictability matters more than novelty in mission-critical environments. The AI algorithms behind SeaSphere are mathematically driven and deliberately conservative. While they may lack the “wow factor” of newer models, they offer explainability and reliability. In defense and infrastructure protection, knowing why a system made a decision can be as important as the decision itself.
Expert Insight on Explainable AI Underwater
The research behind Skana’s system was led by Teddy Lazebnik, an AI scientist and professor at the University of Haifa. Lazebnik emphasizes that newer AI models often trade predictability for performance. In underwater operations, that tradeoff can be dangerous. By using more established algorithms, Skana gains consistency across diverse environments. This approach also makes the system easier to audit and trust. For government buyers, that transparency could be a decisive factor.
Defense and Infrastructure Security Use Cases
Skana Robotics sees immediate demand in defense and critical infrastructure protection. Underwater pipelines, communication cables, and ports are increasingly vulnerable to sabotage and espionage. Coordinated robot fleets could patrol these assets continuously without revealing their presence. The technology could also support supply chain monitoring and maritime border security. As geopolitical tensions rise, especially in Europe, interest in underwater autonomy is accelerating. Skana is positioning itself at the center of that shift.
From Stealth Startup to Government Contracts
Founded in 2024, Skana Robotics exited stealth mode earlier this year. The company is currently focused on selling its technology to governments and enterprise customers across Europe. According to CEO Idan Levy, maritime threat levels linked to the Russia–Ukraine war have intensified demand. Skana is reportedly in discussions for a sizable government contract. Closing that deal would validate both the technology and its market readiness. It would also accelerate adoption beyond pilot deployments.
Scaling Underwater Robot Fleets in the Real World
While the technology is promising, real-world scale remains the ultimate test. Coordinating hundreds of autonomous vessels introduces operational and logistical challenges. Skana plans to address this by gradually expanding fleet sizes in controlled environments. The company aims to demonstrate that its system can handle complexity without degrading performance. Success at scale would set Skana apart from competitors focused on single-vehicle autonomy. It would also mark a major milestone for underwater robotics as a whole.
Commercial Launch Plans for 2026
Looking ahead, Skana Robotics plans to release a commercial version of SeaSphere in 2026. That launch will be accompanied by field deployments designed to prove the system’s robustness outside lab conditions. The company wants to show that autonomous underwater collaboration isn’t just theoretical. If those deployments succeed, Skana could become a foundational player in next-generation maritime defense and infrastructure monitoring. The underwater domain may soon be far more connected—and far less visible—than ever before.
