Abu Dhabi-based Planys raises $12 million to expand its underwater robotics technology for inspecting offshore and subsea infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi based deep tech company Planys has raised $12 million in funding as it looks to scale its underwater robotics and inspection technology for critical infrastructure, the company said. The investment will support expansion across new markets and increased deployment of its autonomous inspection systems for offshore and subsea assets.
Founded to address the high cost and safety risks associated with traditional underwater inspections, Planys develops autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robotics platforms capable of inspecting marine and subsea infrastructure without the need for human divers. Its technology is used to assess assets such as oil and gas platforms, offshore wind installations, ports, and underwater pipelines.
The funding comes as demand for autonomous inspection solutions grows globally. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global underwater robotics market was valued at more than $4.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 12% through the end of the decade, driven by offshore energy development and infrastructure maintenance needs.
Planys’ systems are designed to reduce inspection costs and operational downtime while improving safety and data quality. Traditional underwater inspections often require divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which can be costly and limited by depth, weather conditions, and safety regulations. Autonomous robotics platforms offer a scalable alternative by enabling continuous and repeatable inspections with minimal human intervention.
The company operates from Abu Dhabi, positioning it within a broader UAE push to develop advanced technology and industrial innovation. Under the UAE’s national technology strategy, advanced robotics and autonomous systems have been identified as priority areas to support energy, infrastructure, and sustainability goals. Abu Dhabi in particular has emerged as a hub for deep tech and industrial startups, supported by government-backed initiatives and access to large industrial customers.
Planys plans to use the $12 million to expand its engineering and robotics teams, enhance its AI-powered data analytics capabilities, and scale deployments across the Middle East and international markets. The company is also expected to deepen partnerships with energy companies and infrastructure operators as inspection requirements become more frequent and data-driven.
The funding adds to a growing number of investments into robotics and industrial automation startups in the region, reflecting investor interest in technologies that address real-world operational challenges rather than purely digital applications. As offshore infrastructure ages and regulatory scrutiny increases, demand for autonomous inspection solutions is expected to continue rising.
For Planys, the latest round marks a step toward broader commercialization, as it moves from specialized deployments toward wider adoption of autonomous underwater inspection as standard practice across multiple industries.
