Poland’s underwater robotics firm SR Robotics (SRR) has secured over €8.4 million (US$9.9 million) in funding from Vinci, a fund managed by the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego Group.

The investment aims to enhance SRR’s production capacity, expand its robotic fleet through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, and establish new training and operational centers.

Founded in 2017 and based in Katowice, SRR specializes in remotely operated and autonomous underwater robots.

Its technology is used for tasks such as seabed mapping, securing underwater infrastructure, and neutralizing unexploded ordnance.

SRR’s robots use AI to analyze sensor data and identify submerged objects.

The funding will also support educational initiatives in collaboration with institutions such as the Maritime University in Gdynia and the Silesian University of Technology.

🔗 Source: EU-Startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ The underwater robotics market is experiencing explosive growth amid rising security concerns

SR Robotics is entering a rapidly expanding market, with global underwater robotics projected to grow from approximately $5 billion in 2023 to over $13 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of 14.5% 1.

This growth coincides with increasing threats to underwater infrastructure, as evidenced by recent incidents like the Baltic Sea cable cuts in November 2024, which raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage 2.

Europe currently dominates with a 32-34% market share, positioning Poland-based SR Robotics strategically within the region leading this technological evolution 3.

The timing of this investment is particularly significant as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) still command approximately 79% of market revenue, while autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), a focus area for SR Robotics, are growing at a faster rate of around 17.8% annually 4.

The dual-use civil/defense approach adopted by SR Robotics aligns with industry trends, with companies like Oceaneering, Saab AB, and Kongsberg developing similar versatile platforms that serve both commercial and security applications 1.

2️⃣ Underwater infrastructure protection emerges as a critical national security priority

The investment in SR Robotics reflects growing concerns about threats to submarine infrastructure, with Russia’s underwater reconnaissance capabilities specifically identified as risks to global communication networks 5.