How 2 former Navy SEALs built robot subs for ocean exploration
Welcome to Episode 26 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.
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This week, Eugene Demaitre and I speak with Jud Kauffman and Joe Wolfel, co-founders of Terradepth. Founded in 2018, the Austin, Texas-based startup is developing autonomous submarines for deep ocean exploration. Its long-term goal is to build the Google Earth of the ocean. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of Terradepth’s mission and how their Naval experience is playing a vital role.
We also catch up with Nader Elm, CEO and co-founder of Exyn Technologies. Exyn is a spin-off of the GRASP Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania that builds autonomous drones that are operating in GPS-denied environments such as mines. We discuss the challenges of developing and deploying fully autonomous drones in such environments, how COVID-19 has impacted Exyn’s business, and what other types of robots could benefit from Exyn’s autonomy stack.
Concept of Terradepth’s multi-submarine approach to autonomous ocean exploration. | Credit: Terradepth
If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact Steve or Eugene. For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.
Podcast timestamps
- 0-3:11 Show Intro
- 3:12-36:53: Conversation with Jud Kauffman and Joe Wolfel, co-founders, Terradepth
- 36:54-37:48: RoboBusiness Direct Preview
- 37:49-1:10:20: Conversation with Nader Elm, CEO and co-founder, Exyn Technologies
- 1:10:21-1:11:09: Show Outro
Show notes
- Terradepth website
- The Robot Report’s coverage of Exyn Technologies
- Exyn drone maps inactive mine on the fly
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