An Update on C2 Robotics
C2 Robotics is very pleased to announce the first export sales of its Speartooth Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel (LUUV).
Speartooth is designed to generate force-mass in the maritime domain as affordably as possible. Its purpose is to deliver military payloads over strategically relevant ranges at scale and with a high degree of stealth, reliability and autonomy. Speartooth has also been designed to be payload agnostic so that it can rapidly integrate whatever systems its operators require.
After extensive real-world testing and successful participation in domestic and international exercises, Speartooth is now making its mark on the global stage with C2 Robotics achieving its first international sales of its LUUV.
The company can’t reveal its customers, however C2 Robotics’ Chief Technology Officer Dr Tom Loveard stated that, ‘Our latest customer is an organisation that is keen to get this capability into the hands of their people as soon as possible to see what autonomous systems can bring to undersea operations. We’ve always argued that the best way to develop concepts of operations for autonomous systems is to actually use them. We’re very happy to have found a customer who shares that view.’
With the support of the Australian Department of Defence, C2 Robotics has demonstrated Speartooth to potential customers at events both in Australia and abroad. The system’s maturity and ease of operation have been a big selling point. Dr Loveard explained, ‘We find that potential customers are extremely impressed that Speartooth is ready to go “right out of the box.” That allows operators to focus on the mission and the payloads rather than the platform itself.’
Speartooth’s range allows it to access the area of operations independently, freeing up scarce crewed vessels for other tasks. It can be transported in standard shipping containers and be launched from a boat ramp. This minimises both the workforce and infrastructure needed to operate it, reducing its operating signature while complicating the adversary’s ISR challenge.
Dr Loveard stated, ‘The reception we are getting from international militaries is extremely positive. Speartooth’s combination of range, stealth, payload and above all affordability offers something different from any other system on the market and customers are responding to that.’
Speartooth has been designed so that production and operations can be sustained in time of conflict and crisis when supply chains will be disrupted. Essentially an underwater electric vehicle, it employs readily available commercial components allowing it to be manufactured in existing industrial facilities. This means production can be quickly established and be scaled up rapidly in time of conflict.
The export contract involves Speartooth vessels which will be manufactured in Australia using local components as far as possible.
Speartooth’s development has been funded by and conducted in close collaboration with the Australian Department of Defence. It successfully completed a key milestone activity in the multi-national Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2025 in Queensland earlier this year and will participate in the Maritime Big Play autonomous exercise at Jervis Bay in Australia later this year.
About C2 Robotics
C2 Robotics is a leader in robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence based in Melbourne, Australia. Innovation, rapid concept development and iterative prototype fielding is at their core, with a key focus on developing innovative systems across the maritime, land and air domains. Their team is comprised of a group of highly experienced industry veterans and a leadership team that includes founders of previous highly successful defence and aerospace companies in the fields of AI and robotics
See also, the following:
The Autonomous Revolution: How Australia Could Transform Defense Through Maritime Robotics