GRAAL TECH SRL

Their core work

Graal Tech is a Genova-based SME that designs and builds underwater and surface robotic vehicles for subsea exploration, inspection, and mapping. Their core work spans autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and unmanned surface vessels, with capabilities in navigation, control systems, and docking. They apply these platforms to real-world tasks like seabed mapping, offshore infrastructure inspection, and deep-sea mining exploration. More recently, they have integrated hydrogen fuel cell propulsion to extend the endurance of autonomous marine vehicles.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 work (2015–2018), Graal Tech focused on foundational marine robotics — dexterous ROV manipulation (DexROV) and distributed underwater sonar (WiMUST). From 2018 onward, the focus shifted toward longer-endurance autonomous missions with hydrogen propulsion (ENDURUNS), advanced seabed sensing including LIBS spectroscopy (ROBUST), and cross-domain robotic assembly (PULSAR). The trajectory shows a clear move from operated vehicles toward fully autonomous, energy-independent marine platforms.

Graal Tech is moving toward long-endurance autonomous marine platforms powered by hydrogen, positioning them for the growing offshore energy inspection and deep-sea exploration markets.

How they like to work

Graal Tech operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated a project, which is typical for a specialized technology SME contributing vehicle platforms and subsea robotics expertise. With 44 unique partners across 14 countries in just 5 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia (average ~9 partners per project). This broad network suggests they are valued as a reliable technical contributor that integrates well into multi-partner research efforts.

They have collaborated with 44 distinct partners across 14 countries, giving them a wide European network for a company of their size. Their base in Genova — a major hub for marine technology in Italy — likely connects them to both Mediterranean maritime industries and northern European offshore sectors.

What sets them apart

Graal Tech combines vehicle design, autonomy software, and subsea sensing in a single SME — a rare integration that larger consortia need but few small companies offer end-to-end. Their transition into hydrogen-powered AUVs places them at the intersection of marine robotics and clean energy, a niche with growing demand from offshore wind, aquaculture, and deep-sea mining sectors. For consortium builders, they bring a proven track record of delivering robotic subsea platforms across five EU projects with consistent funding levels.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ENDURUNS
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 822,500) and most forward-looking — combines hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with autonomous underwater surveying, running until 2023.
• DexROV
  Their highest single funding (EUR 997,500) — tackled the hard problem of dexterous robotic manipulation underwater with communication latency, a key challenge for deep-sea operations.
• ROBUST
  Brought together multihull AUV design with LIBS spectroscopy for seabed mining exploration — an unusual and high-value combination of robotics and analytical chemistry.