Oceanology International 2026 – Uncrewed Vehicles & Vessels Track Q&A

Ocean Robotics Planet interviewed Justin Manley, CCO of Seahawk Robotics to find out more about autonomy and the uncrewed maritime industry; themes of the Uncrewed Vehicles and Vessels conference track at Oi26 that will focus on innovative developments and applications in marine autonomous systems, including Robotics, AUVs, ROVs and ASVs.





ORP: Autonomy at sea has matured rapidly — from concept to commercial reality. What does true operational autonomy look like in 2026, and how close are we to achieving it across both AUVs and USVs?

Justin Manley: The defense community has demonstrated operational autonomy across platform types including large UUVs, gliders, and USVs. Commercially we saw the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project deliver a truly autonomous ocean crossing. The barriers to further operations are business and cultural, not technical.

ORP: If we were to sit here again in 2030, what would success look like for the uncrewed maritime industry — technical breakthroughs, regulatory milestones, or cultural acceptance?

Justin Manley: Four years is not a very long time for the conservative maritime sector. I expect we will see significant increases in the number of deployed uncrewed maritime systems. Hopefully we will see a regulatory and commercial shift that trusts software more so that human in the loop operations can become more efficient. Ideally a small number of human overseers aligned to a large fleet of UMS. Defense will drive this transition and offshore commercial will follow more slowly.

ORP: Why should someone working in marine robotics or ocean technology make sure to attend the Uncrewed Vehicles & Vessels track at Oi 2026?

Justin Manley: OI is the place to see the tech on display live while also hearing directly from those who make it work.


For more information, please visit: www.oceanologyinternational.com/london/en-gb.html?utm_source=oceanrobotics&utm_medium=barter&utm_cam

Location: London, UK