Pioneering Underwater Robotics for a Lasting Maritime Future
Driven by increasing environmental regulations and a growing need for safer, more efficient underwater operations, Yanmar Holdings Co., ltd.and Sony Group Corporation have joined forces to create YANMAR BLUE TECH Co., Ltd. – a new venture dedicated to revolutionizing underwater sensing and robotics. Officially launched on September 8, 2025, with operations commencing October 1st, the company aims to address critical challenges facing the maritime industry, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protecting marine ecosystems.
YANMAR BLUE TECH’s initial focus is on developing advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for hull cleaning and underwater infrastructure inspection.current hull cleaning practices, often reliant on divers, are facing increased scrutiny due to safety concerns and a shrinking skilled labor pool. The International Maritime Organization’s stricter regulations regarding hull fouling – a major contributor to both emissions and the spread of invasive species - are further accelerating the demand for innovative solutions.
The collaborative project leverages Yanmar’s expertise in marine engineering with Sony’s cutting-edge imaging and sensor technology. Yanmar is engineering a high-pressure water jet ROV designed for rapid and thorough hull cleaning, incorporating a refined debris collection system capable of filtering organic matter down to the micrometer level. This is being enhanced by Sony’s contributions,including high-sensitivity,distortion-free image sensors,advanced image processing algorithms optimized for challenging underwater visibility,and precise real-time self-positioning capabilities.
The integration of these technologies promises to deliver unprecedented underwater clarity, enabling the creation of detailed 3D models and facilitating autonomous operation. Ultimately,YANMAR BLUE TECH envisions a future where hull cleaning and underwater inspections are conducted safely,efficiently,and without the need for human divers,contributing to a more sustainable and resilient maritime industry.
YANMAR BLUE TECH Co., Ltd. – At a Glance:
* CEO: Ichiro Fuwa (Seconded from Yanmar Holdings)
* Established: September 8, 2025
* Operations Start: October 1, 2025
* Headquarters: 1-32, Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
* Capital: 388.3 million yen
* Ownership: Yanmar Holdings (90%), Sony Group Corporation (10%)
* Core Business: Progress and implementation of underwater sensing and robotics technologies.
