US-based aircraft manufacturing company Boeing has signed an agreement to acquire Liquid Robotics, in a bid to enhance its seabed-to-space autonomous capabilities.

Since its establishment in 2007, Liquid Robotics has designed and developed the Wave Glider ocean surface robot, which is the first wave and solar-powered unmanned surface vehicle.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security president and CEO Leanne Caret said: “With Liquid Robotics’ innovative technology and Boeing’s leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions, we are helping our customers address maritime challenges in ways that make existing platforms smarter, missions safer and operations more efficient.”

"I am proud of our team, culture, and relentless commitment to designing the best ocean surface robot in the maritime industry."

The ocean surface robot has so far traversed over one million nautical miles, while it has capabilities to address the challenges posed on defence, commercial and science customers by making ocean data collection and communications easier, safer and quicker.

Liquid Robotics president and CEO Gary Gysin said: “I am proud of our team, culture, and relentless commitment to designing the best ocean surface robot in the maritime industry.

“This acquisition allows us to leverage the strengths of one of the world’s leading global companies while continuing to push our innovation to new levels.”

In September 2014, the two companies entered into an agreement that resulted in an extensive integration on the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC), which is a version of the Wave Glider.

Combined with Boeing’s latest sensors, the SHARC helps link intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities varying from satellites to both manned and unmanned aircraft to sub-surface crafts.

Image: The Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC), a version of the Wave Glider. Photo: courtesy of Liquid Robotics.