Deep Venture

An autonomous, full-ocean-depth exploration vehicle

Deep Venture is a new class of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that provides unparalleled access to the extreme reaches of the ocean for scientific observation and sampling. While optimized for deep-sea exploration, Deep Venture can support a range of operations where high-resolution imaging and mapping is required.

Applications include:

Hadal zone mapping & imaging
Hazard & pollution monitoring
Infrastructure inspection
Geological surveying
Seafloor & shipwreck imaging

Developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Deep Venture is engineered to operate from shallow, coastal regions down to full ocean depth, or 11,000 meters (~6.8 miles). Its ability to withstand extreme pressure and maneuver around complex seafloor features is essential for exploring, imaging, and mapping previously inaccessible environments.

Capabilities:

Untethered autonomous operations
High-resolution 3D imaging & mapping
Seafloor landing & sample collection

With its lightweight, modular design, Deep Venture is a versatile and cost-effective technology that can be operated by a small team from ships with modest deck space, significantly reducing operational costs while dramatically expanding access to unexplored sites.

When paired with a submersible such as Alvin, Deep Venture can help investigators identify areas of interest before a crewed dive, expanding survey coverage and dive efficiency. The AUV can also support fleet-based operations, enabling multi-vehicle collaboration for comprehensive situational awareness of the seafloor and water column conditions.