Imagine trying to use your phone or tablet while swimming — it just doesn't work. A Finnish company built the world's first tablet with a touchscreen that actually functions underwater. Think of it like giving professional divers the same kind of instant information access that we take for granted on land. The tablet also includes an underwater positioning and data exchange system, so dive teams can communicate and share information below the surface.
Professional divers — from offshore inspectors to military and rescue teams — operate in an environment where standard electronics simply don't work. They lack the real-time data access, communication tools, and positioning systems that workers on land take for granted. This makes underwater operations slower, more expensive, and more dangerous than they need to be.
Alleco built the world's first tablet computer with a fully functional underwater touchscreen, along with an underwater data exchange and positioning system, all brought to TRL7. The project delivered 30 complete units ready for deployment.
If you are a subsea inspection firm dealing with expensive, communication-limited dive operations — this project developed a fully functional underwater tablet computer with data exchange and positioning capabilities that could decrease the costs of an average diving project by more than 50%. The system was validated at TRL7 with 30 complete units produced.
If you are a dive training organization struggling with outdated underwater communication methods — this project built a rugged touchscreen tablet that works underwater, backed by a partnership with Aqua Lung, the world's leading diving equipment distributor. The technology targets a potential market of €2.82Bn and could transform how dive instructors deliver training below the surface.
If you are a mining company that needs electronic devices that are dust-proof, waterproof, and safe for explosive-prone areas — this project developed a tablet computer with patented touchscreen technology built for exactly those harsh conditions. The device was developed to TRL7 with 30 complete units ready for deployment in real-world environments.
Specific unit pricing is not disclosed in the project data. However, the objective states the technology is designed to decrease the costs of an average diving project by more than 50%, suggesting the tablet cost is significantly offset by operational savings. Contact the coordinator for current pricing.
The project produced 30 complete units as a demo deliverable, indicating manufacturing readiness beyond single-prototype stage. The company partnered with Aqua Lung, a global diving equipment distributor, which provides a ready distribution channel for scaling. The SME-2 funding phase specifically targets commercialization and market rollout.
Alleco holds patented core technology for the underwater touchscreen. With 25 years of industry experience, the company owns the IP developed under this project. Licensing or OEM arrangements would need to be discussed directly with Alleco OY in Finland.
Hardware and software were developed to TRL7 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment). Pilot testing was conducted to validate the full solution in real-life environments. The project delivered 30 complete units, indicating production-ready capability.
The objective explicitly names offshore oil and gas, mining, and the medical industry as additional target markets. The key selling points for these sectors are dust-proof, waterproof, easy-to-clean devices that can operate in explosive-prone areas. Based on available project data, these expansions were planned but the diving sector was the primary focus.
Based on available project data, specific certifications or regulatory approvals are not mentioned. Professional diving equipment typically requires compliance with EN standards and potentially ATEX certification for explosive environments. Contact the coordinator regarding current certification status.
This is a single-company project — Alleco OY, a Finnish SME, is the sole partner. While that means there is no academic or research institution involvement, it also means all IP and commercial rights are consolidated under one entity, simplifying any licensing or partnership discussions. The 100% industry consortium with SME-2 funding signals this was always a market-driven project, not a research exercise. The existing cooperation with Aqua Lung, though not a formal consortium member, provides a credible route to global distribution.
Alleco OY is a Finnish SME — contact via their website allecoproducts.fi or through SciTransfer for a facilitated introduction.
Want to explore underwater tablet technology for your operations? SciTransfer can arrange a direct introduction to the development team and provide a detailed technology brief.
