Autonomous Vehicles and Testing Services

Our autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), known as NOC Autosubs, are internationally recognised for their endurance, reliability and ability to operate independently with little or no vessel support. 

Designed and built in-house at the National Oceanography Centre, they represent decades of innovation at the forefront of autonomous ocean technology.

Proven Autonomous Technology for Extreme Environments

First deployed in 1997, NOC Autosub vehicles have since been used extensively for deep-ocean, polar and under-ice missions, as well as a growing range of commercial applications.

Their reputation for robustness and versatility has made them a trusted solution where:

• Long-duration missions are required
• Access to support vessels is limited or impractical
• Data quality, reliability and operational resilience are critical

NOC Autosubs are capable of high-endurance missions lasting several weeks, combining efficient propulsion, intelligent power management and advanced onboard control systems.

Commercial Autonomous Solutions

Our Autosubs can be fully configured for specific uses and are able to be equipped with flexible sensor packages, including chemical sensors, advanced sonar systems and high-resolution cameras, depending on mission requirements.

Typically shore launched and recovered, NOC Autosub offers a highly efficient alternative to traditional survey methods and is well suited to applications such as:

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) leakage monitoring
• Offshore pipeline and infrastructure surveys
• Oil and gas decommissioning
• Offshore wind farm inspection
• Monitoring Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
• Environmental and seabed survey operations

These vehicles are available for purchase.

Glider Services and Fleet Management

In addition to AUVs, NOC Innovations provides a comprehensive glider service to support long-term oceanographic data collection.

We manage the full lifecycle of glider operations, including:

• Sourcing and deployment
• Operations and mission management
• Maintenance and technical support
• Data quality assurance

Working with us ensures seamless, reliable glider operations, delivering high-quality data to support scientific research, operational planning and evidence-based decision-making.

We also run Teledyne’s Glider Service Centre for Europe, giving partners direct access to specialist expertise and infrastructure.

What Do We Offer?

Our autonomous and testing services include:

• NOC Autosub vehicles available for purchase, built to bespoke requirements for operating depths of up to 6,000 metres
• End-to-end glider fleet services, including sourcing, deployment, operation and maintenance
• Training courses covering the technical and operational fundamentals of glider use, with practical exercises delivered in our dock facilities
• Access to world-leading expertise in autonomous marine systems, developed and proven through decades of ocean science

Get in touch to explore the commercial and research applications of our autonomous vehicles - and to see how they could transform the way you operate.