Victoria, BC, November 23, 2020 – Open Ocean Robotics was awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label following a rigorous assessment performed by independent experts based on verified standards for its maritime data solutions using solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), Data Xplorer. Now Open Ocean Robotics is part of the #1000solutions challenge, the Solar Impulse Initiative to select 1,000 solutions that meet the highest standards in profitability and sustainability, to be presented to decision-makers and leaders to fast-track their global implementation.

“We’re honoured to receive this recognition and be included in this elite group of companies that is striving to create profitable solutions to improve the sustainability and health of our planet”, said Julie Angus, Open Ocean Robotics CEO and co-founder.

Open Ocean Robotics provides ocean insights using Data Xplorer, its solar-powered offshore USV designed for persistent continuous operations of up to six months. It is engineered to withstand hurricane-force conditions and is autonomously self-righting allowing it to voyage offshore, while remaining maneuverable enough to operate in congested nearshore environments. It can operate autonomously or via remote-control operation, and it transmits and receives data in real-time allowing continuous monitoring and control of the USV and data collection. With a modular sensor bay, Data Xplorer is a platform for an interchangeable variety of sensors, allowing it to meet the flexible needs of any client. Its 360-degree, optical zoom, and thermal cameras make it an excellent choice for environmental monitoring, defence and security; and with the choice of adding multibeam sonar, Data Xplorer is also an excellent solution to hydrographic surveying where it can save millions of kilograms of CO₂ over just one vehicle’s lifetime.

To receive the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label, Data Xplorer was thoroughly assessed by a pool of independent experts against five criteria pertaining to three primary topics of Feasibility, Environmental Impact and Profitability. As part of the #1000solutions portfolio, Data Xplorer will be presented to decision-makers in business and government by Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. The challenge’s aim is to encourage the adoption of more ambitious environmental targets and to fast-track the implementation of these solutions at scale.

About the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label

One of the first labels for positive impact businesses bringing together protection of the environment and financial viability, the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label is attributed following an assessment performed by external independent experts. In collaboration with renowned institutions, solutions applying for the label must go through a neutral methodology based on verified standards. This label serves as an award for clean and profitable solutions.

About the Solar Impulse Foundation

The Solar Impulse Foundation is dedicated to accelerating the implementation of clean and profitable solutions. Moreover, the Foundation helps decision-makers in business and government to achieve their environmental targets and adopt more ambitious energy policies, which are necessary to bring these solutions to market. A way to carry the success of the first solar-powered flight around the world further.

About Open Ocean Robotics

Open Ocean Robotics produces energy-harvesting uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) equipped with sensors, cameras and monitoring equipment to make oceanic observations and instantly relay them. We offer a safer, more efficient and affordable way of collecting data compared to conventional crewed vessels. Using solar power, our boats produce zero greenhouse gases, noise pollution nor risk of oil spills, and can travel non-stop for months on end, always on and always collecting information, transforming how we research and protect our ocean.

For more information please contact:

Carmela Gonzales, Operations Lead at Open Ocean Robotics, info@openoceanrobotics.com or visit https://openoceanrobotics.com where you can find more resources on uncrewed surface vehicles.