Successful transatlantic research collaboration in underwater robotics
KTH – Purdue University – Saab
Two research projects in underwater robotics have been carried out in close collaboration between KTH and its interdisciplinary research center Digital Futures, Purdue University in the United States, Saab AB, and Saab Inc.
The projects, ALARS (Aerial Launch and Recovery System for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and ADAPCOSS (AUV Data Processing, Communication and Swarm Optimization in Contested and Denied Undersea Environments), have in recent years contributed to important advancements in knowledge within autonomous marine systems.
On May 19-20, 2026, researchers and project partners gathered for the final presentations of the projects, where both results and future developments were discussed. In connection with this, a demonstration of the ALARS project was conducted at KTH’s marine field station on Djurö in the Stockholm archipelago. During the demonstration, an autonomous aerial drone identified, located, and retrieved an autonomous underwater vehicle.
“Together, these projects represent an important step forward in autonomous underwater robotics - an area of growing strategic importance. The exchange of expertise across the Atlantic, as well as the collaboration between academia and industry, have been key success factors, with complementary competencies strengthening the outcome,” says Mikael Lindström, Deputy President of KTH.
The ALARS project has focused on developing systems that enable the efficient deployment and recovery of autonomous underwater vehicles without the need for crewed vessels. This has the potential to significantly increase operational flexibility and reduce costs for marine operations. In parallel, the ADAPCOSS project has addressed key challenges in communication and coordination among multiple underwater vehicles and sensors in complex environments where traditional communication systems are unreliable. A central part of the work has been the development of methods for designing sonar networks to enhance surveillance capabilities and protection against potential threats.
“The results now pave the way for continued research and future implementation in areas such as defense, environmental monitoring, and maritime infrastructure,” says Mikael Lindström. KTH has already secured funding from Vinnova for projects aimed at building Swedish-American collaborations, with the goal of further strengthening cooperation in underwater robotics and collaborative autonomous systems, together with several strong partners on the U.S. West Coast.