Nauticus Robotics And Forum Energy Technologies Expand Subsea Autonomy Through A Manufacturing And Sales Agreement

Under the agreement, FET will lead the commercialization, manufacturing, and distribution of Nauticus’ Olympic Arm™ electric manipulator system, while Nauticus continues to advance the robotics, autonomy, and intelligent control technologies that underpin next-generation subsea manipulation. The agreement brings together Nauticus’ innovations in intelligent manipulation and subsea autonomy with FET’s global manufacturing capability and reputation for delivering robust, field-ready, and innovative equipment.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing subsea operations through all-electric technologies,” said Neal Lux, CEO of FET. “With our shared development of the Olympic Arm, we are expanding industry access to high-performance electric manipulation systems that improve reliability, reduce maintenance, and create a foundation for future intelligent control. Collaborating with Nauticus on this project provides another avenue for FET to develop differentiated technologies, grow profitable market share, and successfully accomplish FET 2030.”

The Nauticus ToolKITT™ autonomy platform—Nauticus’ intelligent control software for underwater operations—successfully completed a commercial project on a Forum ROV off the US Gulf Coast in mid-October 2025, exceeding operator expectations for performance and reliability. Building on this success, Nauticus is continuing to develop manipulator autonomy capabilities within Nauticus ToolKITT, including perception-assisted control, dexterous manipulation behaviors, and supervised autonomous manipulation.

“The Manufacturing Agreement with FET represents an important milestone for Nauticus as we bring our intelligent manipulation technologies to the broader commercial market and advances a strategy of licensing our designs for more rapid market penetration and revenue,” said John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics. “While FET brings world-class manufacturing and global reach, Nauticus contributes the autonomy and intelligent control layer that transforms how subsea manipulation and operations are performed. Together, we are enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient subsea work.”

As part of the manufacturing effort, Nauticus and FET are combining their respective strengths—Nauticus’ expertise in robotics, autonomy, and intelligent control with FET’s long-standing capability in manufacturing reliable subsea equipment. Prior to full-scale commercial production, the teams will focus on refining the Olympic Arm design to enhance field serviceability and reduce mean time to failure, ensuring the system meets the rigorous reliability standards required across offshore operations.

The advancement of Nauticus ToolKITT manipulation autonomy marks the beginning of a broader roadmap for intelligent subsea intervention. Future releases will introduce additional capabilities such as perception-driven task automation, obstacle-aware maneuvers, and real-time decision-making for complex subsea environments—enhancing safety, reducing personnel requirements, and enabling new classes of subsea missions.