Since 2015, Blueye Robotics has quietly transformed underwater exploration. What started as a small Norwegian company aiming to make ocean access more accessible has evolved into a global provider of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), used by industries as varied as aquaculture, law enforcement, and marine research. Over 1,100 of their drones are now in use across more than 60 countries, from the fish farms of Norway to the depths of the Baltic Sea.
The origin of Blueye is firmly rooted in Norway's marine technology expertise. Erik Dyrkoren, formerly with SINTEF Ocean, teamed up with Martin Ludvigsen from NTNU AMOS, a hub for marine autonomy research. Along with Christine Spiten, they envisioned a user-friendly underwater drone that anyone could operate. They soon found an early backer in angel investor Erik Haugane. While the original idea was consumer-focused, the team quickly realized that their ambitions were better suited to professional markets.
"We haven't deviated from our core goal—providing easy access to the ocean—but our audience has shifted," says Oda Ryggen, CCO of Blueye Robotics. "We work with professionals who need dependable tools to carry out serious underwater tasks. That’s where we’ve found our niche."
The Blueye X3A Design That Works
Blueye’s lineup includes the Pioneer, X1, and X3 models, each designed for different levels of operation. The X3, in particular, has become a go-to for professionals due to its adaptability and ease of use. Rather than focusing on making something high-tech for the sake of it, Blueye has emphasized simplicity in both design and function. The X3, for example, can be outfitted with a variety of add-ons, including sonar, grippers, and environmental sensors, all designed to be plug-and-play with minimal configuration.
"Most of our clients aren't trained ROV operators," explains Ryggen. "They’re fish farmers, biologists, or law enforcement officials. We’ve built our systems so they can be operated without needing extensive technical expertise."
The Blueye X3 stands out not only for its ability to carry multiple peripherals but also for its integrated software system. Blueye’s OS is compatible with iOS and Android devices, allowing users to control their drones through an app, a decision that plays into the company’s broader goal of removing barriers to underwater work.
Practical Technology for Real-World Challenges
While Blueye has always focused on user-friendly design, their technology isn’t lacking in sophistication. The Blueye X3 can integrate tools like ultrasonic thickness gauges, gamma-ray sensors, and positioning systems. These features make it useful across a range of industries, from inspecting the hulls of ships to surveying water quality and marine ecosystems. And yet, Blueye has managed to keep its tech approachable.
The Smart Connector system is a good example of this philosophy in action. By automatically recognizing attached devices, the ROV eliminates the need for manual setup. “You don’t need to configure drivers or tweak settings—just connect the tool, and the system handles the rest,” says Ryggen. This approach allows for quick setup in the field, which is critical for professionals who need to respond swiftly to changing conditions.
Fish farmers use Blueye drones to inspect underwater nets and recover toolsA Key Player in Major Operations
Blueye drones have been put to use in some high-profile operations. The 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea drew global attention, and Blueye's ROVs were part of the response. Technical Sales Engineer Trond Larsen worked with a Swedish news team to send a Blueye X3 into the Baltic’s murky depths to assess the damage. Equipped with a sonar system, the drone helped locate pipeline sections within minutes, despite low visibility and challenging underwater conditions. “We were able to map the damaged area far quicker than anticipated, using just the X3 and sonar,” says Larsen. This mission underscored the practicality of Blueye’s relatively lightweight drones in environments that traditionally require far bulkier equipment.
Blueye’s ROVs have been similarly vital in less dramatic, but equally important, tasks. Fish farmers use them to inspect underwater nets and recover tools, while police forces deploy them for search-and-recovery missions. In one particularly precise operation, the Norwegian Coast Guard used Blueye drones to locate a sunken vessel and recover a body from a depth of 100 meters.
Quiet Success, Future Ambitions
Blueye’s focus on making their drones versatile yet accessible has clearly resonated with industries that need reliable underwater tools. The company’s strongest market has been aquaculture, but interest from sectors like defense and search-and-rescue is growing. With a product that’s already proving its value across multiple applications, Blueye is planning new technological upgrades, though they’re tight-lipped about what’s next.
For now, the company continues to refine its product line. “We’re always improving our software and working on the next evolution of our ROVs,” says Ryggen, without offering too many specifics. "The key is to stay ahead without complicating things for the end user."
The future for Blueye looks promising. Their drones, initially built with the idea of making underwater exploration accessible for everyone, have found their way into some of the most demanding professional environments. And with the ocean continuing to play a critical role in global industries, Blueye Robotics appears well-positioned to lead the charge in underwater technology that just works.
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