Tethys Robotics, a Swiss deep-tech startup emerging from ETH Zurich, is transforming the landscape of underwater inspections with its latest innovation, the Tethys ONE autonomous hybrid drone. This technology is poised to address numerous challenges inherent in underwater environments, particularly in sectors such as offshore oil, gas, and wind energy, where traditional methods face significant risks. The new drone, weighing a mere 35 kilograms, is designed to withstand strong currents, low visibility, and deep dives up to 300 meters, providing a safer alternative for operations that often place human divers in perilous situations.
Founded in 2021 by Jonas Wüst and Pragash Sivananthaguru, Tethys Robotics recently secured €3.5 million in pre-seed funding, a round led by Redstone with participation from several investors including Alpine VC, Euregio+, and the ETH Foundation. This funding is intended to expedite product development, enhance the company’s workforce, and facilitate global market entry, significantly advancing their mission to revolutionize underwater inspection processes.
Innovative Technology for Underwater Challenges
The Tethys ONE drone incorporates cutting-edge sensor fusion and artificial intelligence (AI) navigation technologies, enabling it to execute precise, automated inspections in challenging conditions. As Wüst explains, the company recognized a substantial gap in the market for safer, more efficient offshore operations, underscoring the ongoing dangers and costs associated with human divers. He noted that their aim is not just to build resilient robots but to fundamentally change how underwater work is conducted.
The drone’s capabilities extend beyond mere navigation; it is equipped with sonar, 3D cameras, and metal detectors, making it versatile for various applications. Unlike conventional remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that require human pilots, the Tethys ONE operates autonomously, allowing it to function effectively in adverse conditions. Its modular design caters to a wide range of uses, from inspecting offshore wind turbines to handling explosive ordnance disposal, an area where competition remains limited.
Future Endeavors and Market Expansion
Looking ahead, Tethys Robotics is focused on enhancing the autonomy of the Tethys ONE and developing new payload modules to broaden its industrial applications, particularly in offshore energy and public safety sectors. Wüst emphasized the company’s commitment to scaling serial production and expanding its presence across Europe, while also targeting markets in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific. As part of their strategic vision, they aim to achieve fully automated deployments, potentially eliminating the need for human presence in offshore environments altogether.
The company’s innovative approach has already garnered validation through collaborations with the Swiss Army and the Swiss Drone and Robotics Centre (SDRC), showcasing the practical applications of their technology in real-world scenarios. Ben Scheidt, VC Investment Director at Redstone, highlighted Tethys Robotics as a notable example of how technology-driven companies can arise from the ETH Zurich ecosystem, emphasizing the fusion of scientific rigor and entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes their developments.
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