Boxfish Robotics

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Underwater Robotic Vehicles (ROV & AUV) for Inspections, Observation and Videography New Zealand
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Boxfish Robotics

Underwater Robotic Vehicles (ROV & AUV) for Inspections, Observation and Videography

Boxfish Robotics, a New Zealand-based underwater robotics manufacturer, is dedicated to leading the underwater robotics revolution by continuously innovating. Our solutions capture the secrets of the underwater world with unprecedented clarity.

Professional Underwater ROV

We are experts in the design and manufacture of cutting-edge remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and hovering autonomous underwater vehicles (HAUVs) that empower humans to explore, understand, and work within the underwater world. Our pioneering technology excels in challenging conditions, serving a wide range of industries, including submerged asset inspection, marine science, scientific expeditions, offshore energy, aquaculture, biosecurity, and cinematography.

underwater robotics

ARV-i – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Resident AUV for long-duration inspections & monitoring

arvi resident Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Designed in collaboration with Transmark Subsea, the ARV-i is a resident AUV developed specifically for the persistent monitoring of underwater assets. With the ability to stay underwater for up to 12 months at a time, it is ideal for offshore energy installations, oil and gas platforms, wind farms, aquaculture and fisheries.

Designed for fully autonomous operation, the vehicle uses a combination of pre-programmed information and AI capabilities to locate and observe underwater assets. It can automatically return to its docking station when required for wireless battery charging and transfer of collected data.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
Resident AUV technology

The vehicle can also be manually piloted from anywhere in the world using wireless or fixed IP connections through 4G/Internet tether extension adapters. Tethered options are available for applications requiring uncompressed 4K video stream or higher-rate data transmission.

Boxfish Luna – Cinematography Underwater Drone

Advanced submersible ROV for professional underwater cinematographers

Cinematography Underwater rov

The Boxfish Luna is an advanced video ROV for professional cinematographers, delivering 8K video and 50MP image capture at depths of up to 1000 metres.

With a choice of Sony A7SIII or Sony α1 cameras, and a new 200mm precision optical dome, the Boxfish Luna allows filmmakers to easily capture underwater environments with unparalleled detail and clarity.

underwater Cinematography ROV

Eight 3D-vectored thrusters and six degrees of freedom allow the ROV to orient itself in any direction. Fine control, active stabilisation and ultra-precise movements let the operator achieve steady shots with ease.

The 4K UHD 17-inch Boxfish Console provides convenient video monitoring and communications from the surface. Users have full control of vehicle positioning and camera parameters such as exposure, white balance, zoom and lighting.

professional rov robot for Cinematography

The Boxfish Luna can be easily set up and deployed by a two-person crew in just minutes. The subsea ROV can hover 15 hours per battery charge, with actual run time dependent on operational conditions, and can be charged in the field with an optional power pack or via a boat power socket.

Specifications:

Dimensions: (L x W x H) 714mm (28in) x 435mm (17in) x 351mm (14in)
Weight: 27kg (59.5lbs) with salt water ballast installed
Dive Time: Up to 15 hours (depending on conditions)
Tether Dimensions: Length 200m (656ft) – optional 3,000m+ (10,000ft+)
Lenses: Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 Zeiss Lens
Lights: 2 x 8,500 lumen, high CRI, dimmable

Camera options:

Sony A7SIII Sony ⍺1
Video Quality Full-frame up to 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 120p Full-frame up to 8K 10-bit 4:2:0 30p
Stills resolution 12MP 50MP
Sensitivity Up to ISO 409,600 Up to ISO 102,400

Boxfish ROV – Remotely Operated Vehicle

Professional ROV for underwater inspections, observation and remote expeditions

The Boxfish ROV is an advanced video ROV system that delivers sharp, uncompressed, near-zero latency 4K video. Weighing just 23 kg, it can be easily setup and launched within minutes by a crew of two, and is able to operate at depths of up to 500m as standard, with options for 1000m and beyond.

Eight 3D-vectored thrusters provide six degrees of freedom of movement, allowing the underwater robotic vehicle to travel and orientate itself in any direction and operate even in tight spaces and strong currents.

Professional ROV - Underwater Inspection Vehicle

The submersible ROV’s uncompressed main 4K underwater video camera is complemented by two additional built-in ultra-wide-angle navigation cameras, offering unprecedented surround visibility and superior situational awareness. Two 8,500-lumen lights provide excellent illumination allowing image capture even in total darkness.

The control station includes a 17 inch 4K monitor for crisp image and video viewing, as well as a 10 inch screen that displays footage from the ultra-wide angle cameras.

underwater remotely operated vehicle

The Boxfish ROV can operate for up to 14 hours on a single charge, and sealed quick-access ports allow it to be charged easily in the field. In case of unexpected difficulties, the subsea ROV’s fault-tolerant design allows it to continue to operate even with several fouled thrusters. If communication is lost, the underwater robotic system will automatically return to the surface under its own power.

High-Accuracy Underwater Photogrammetry

Underwater Observation 4K Underwater Video CameraThe Boxfish ROV has been engineered for high-resolution 3D underwater photogrammetry, with an uncompressed 4K video stream, six degrees of freedom movement and actively stabilised platform.

Underwater assets are quickly and easily captured from all angles with optimal lighting to ensure complete and accurate models. High resolution crisp and clear images result in the highest quality 3D photogrammetry products.

Inspection ROV robot - Console panel with fish

USBL Positioning

The Boxfish ROV can be enhanced with an optional navigation package that includes a USBL (ultrashort baseline) positioning system for position tracking and control. A USBL transponder is mounted or suspended from the mother vessel, wirelessly communicating via high-frequency sound waves with a beacon installed on the ROV.

For real-time position monitoring, an included GPS module can be attached to the USBL system on the vessel. Positioning software combines the data from the USBL transponder and the GPS module to calculate and display the absolute global position of the ROV on the Boxfish Control Station or on a separate laptop.

underwater exploration robots

Specifications:

Dimensions: (L x W x H) 714mm (28in) x 435mm (17in) x 351mm (14in)
Weight: 24kg (53lbs) with salt water ballast installed
Depth Rating: 500m (1,640ft) / 1000m (3,300ft)
Dive Time: 4-14 hours (depending on conditions)
Tether Dimensions: Diameter 2.7mm (0.11in) – optional 1.9/3.7/4.3mm
Length 350m (1150ft) – optional 3,000m+ (10,000ft+)
Tether Strength: 113 kgf (249lbf) – optional up to 560kgf (1,235lbf)
Cameras: 4K uncompressed main camera and 2 navigation cameras
Lights: 2 x 8,500 lumen, high CRI, dimmable

Boxfish Alpha ROV

Next-generation ROV for inspection & observation

boxfish alpha rov

The Boxfish Alpha is a next-generation underwater ROV designed for inspection, observation and light intervention work. Based on the design of our proven 1000m Boxfish ROV, Alpha includes eight thrusters for six degrees of freedom of movement, allowing it to travel and orient itself in any direction and navigate under highly challenging conditions.

inspection ROV

The versatile vehicle is easy to operate and can be deployed rapidly with minimal setup. The integrated 4K camera with 6x zoom allows users to live-stream or capture detailed footage, making it ideal for non-intrusive inspection and monitoring of underwater assets. Profiling sonars can also be used to create detailed 3D models.

underwater inspection ROVWith auto-stabilization and precision control, Alpha is also ideal for a range of maintenance tasks, and can be equipped with optional tools such as manipulators, line cutters, grabbers, and jaws. Additional accessories include USBL systems, Doppler velocity logs (DVL), and laser scalers.

More information: Boxfish Alpha ROV

Accessories & ROV Equipment

We offer a wide range of ROV equipment and accessories that allow you to extend the functionality of your underwater drone even further. These include:

USBL systems

USBL systems
for ROV tracking and backup wireless communications

Multibeam imaging sonars

Multibeam imaging sonars – for navigation and to locate stationary or moving objects

ROV Altimeters

Altimeters
maintain a consistent height over the bottom during operations

ROV Doppler Velocity Log (DVL)

Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) – provides estimation of velocity relative to the sea bottom

ROV Manipulator & grabbers

Manipulator & grabbers – allow the operator to conduct a range of operations

Laser Scalers – facilitate simple length measurements to understand object scale

Applications

underwater inspectionsInspection ROV

Boxfish is ideal for obtaining high quality imagery, video and underwater photogrammetry of submerged assets, providing users with the information required to make quick and accurate decisions and schedule future maintenance.

surveillanceMilitary, Police and Security

With the ability to undertake inspection missions quickly and safely under a wide range of water conditions, Boxfish is ideal for a range of military, law enforcement and first responder applications, such as contraband detection, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and search and rescue (SAR).

ROV for marine scienceMarine Science

Easily launched from land or small vessels, the Boxfish ROV provides a cost-efficient option to research institutions and educators, and can be equipped with a wide range of sensors and sampling systems.

underwater cinematographyCinematography

The Boxfish Luna provides underwater filmmakers with a stable filming platform and real-time streaming of production-quality video, eliminating many of the restrictions and pain points associated with the use of human divers.

Case Studies
Read our case studies to learn how our underwater vehicles are being used around the world

Products

Boxfish AUV

Tetherless hovering autonomous underwater vehicle for scientific & inspection missions

Boxfish Alpha ROV

Next-generation ROV for inspection & observation

Boxfish ROV – Remotely Operated Vehicle

Professional ROV for underwater inspections, observation and remote expeditions

Boxfish Luna - Cinematography Underwater Drone

Advanced submersible ROV for professional underwater cinematographers

ARV-i – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Resident AUV for long-duration inspections and monitoring

Articles

Latest
ROV-Powered Discovery: Advancing Mesophotic Reef Research in New Zealand

A research team looking into mesophotic ecosystems utilized the Boxfish Alpha to carry out high-resolution surveys and sampling across a range of mesophotic sites around New Zealand

Apr 23, 2025
Hovering AUV Introduced for Marine Research

Boxfish Robotics' first generation of fully autonomous tetherless hovering Boxfish AUV features advancements in autonomy that aim to set a new standard in underwater exploration

Apr 10, 2025
Boxfish Robotics at Ocean Business 2025

At Ocean Business 2025, stand V45, April 8-10, Boxfish Robotics are set to present their innovative underwater robotics equipment and their shift to tetherless autonomous vehicles

Apr 07, 2025
Underwater Filmmaking with the Boxfish Luna™

Boxfish details how the Luna™ ROV enabled the groundbreaking Great Lakes documentary "All Too Clear" by Inspired Planet Productions, which revealed the impact of invasive quagga mussels

Nov 27, 2024
Innovative Subsea Cinematography ROV Reviewed

Boxfish’s Luna ROV has been reviewed by a filmmaker from Black Whale Pictures, sharing insights into camera operation and safety features, delving into the ROV’s key components

Aug 06, 2024
Boxfish Robotics: Enhancing Image Quality for AUVs

Boxfish Robotics has upgraded its AUV's 4K camera head with separate domes for stereo and 4K cameras, enhancing image quality and 3D machine vision capabilities

Jul 16, 2024
Boxfish Robotics: Subsea Cinematography

Boxfish’s most recent case study discusses how cutting edge technology, like the highly customisable Boxfish Luna, can bring art to life in underwater cinematography

Mar 14, 2024
Boxfish ROV Used to Discover 128-Year-Old Shipwreck

The Boxfish Luna ROV has an ultra-low-light, high resolution camera system, and descended 85 meters, nearly 280 feet, to discover an intact ship wreck

Nov 16, 2023
Boxfish Robotics Innovation: Celebrating 7 Years

The Boxfish ROV features an eight-vectored thruster propulsion system and a proprietary control system, providing six degrees of freedom underwater

Nov 10, 2023
Boxfish Research Rebrands as Boxfish Robotics

Boxfish Robotics aims to lead the underwater robotics revolution with unparalleled innovation, clarity in underwater imagery, and a commitment to sustainable ocean exploration

Nov 07, 2023
Boxfish Selects ROV Reseller in Malaysia

Boxfish believes S2 Services’ hands-on experience using the Boxfish ROV in the field will be invaluable in delivering exceptional customer service to its clients

Mar 15, 2023
Boxfish Introduces Autonomous ROV Capability

The capability to upgrade the Boxfish ROV platform to perform autonomous and semi-autonomous tasks aims to deliver better data, enhanced survey repetition and increased efficiency in underwater operations

Oct 19, 2022
Inspection ROV Launched for Commercial Diving Operations

The Boxfish Alpha from Boxfish Research is designed for regular inspections, search and rescue, and recovery missions

Aug 16, 2022
Case Study: Search & Recovery Using the Boxfish ROV

Boxfish has released a case study that details the use of its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to search for and...

Aug 09, 2022
Next Generation 8K Underwater Drone for Cinematography

With a full-frame 8K camera the Boxfish Luna enables filmmakers to shoot amazing 8K video and 50MP digital stills underwater

Jul 14, 2022
Boxfish Selects South Korean ROV Distributor

Boxfish's ROVs feature six degrees of freedom of movement and an auto-stabilisation system, capturing 4K video at depths of up to 1,000 metres

Apr 14, 2022
Autonomous Underwater Resident Vehicle to be Used by Amsterdam’s Museum of the Canals

The Autonomous Underwater Resident Vehicle (ARV-i), developed by Boxfish Research and powered by Transmark Subsea, will be used to create...

Mar 03, 2022
Cinematography Drone Enables 4K ProRes RAW Video Capture

Boxfish Research has announced that their next-generation cinematography drone, the Boxfish Luna, now allows professional underwater videographers to capture full-frame...

Oct 18, 2021
New Class of Untethered Underwater Observation Vehicle Launched

New Zealand-based Boxfish Research and Norwegian partner Transmark Subsea have launched a new class of underwater observation vehicle, the ARV-i....

Oct 14, 2021
Boxfish Develops ROVs & AUVs for Inspections & Videography

Boxfish Research, a specialist developer of marine robotic systems with state-of-the-art underwater vision technologies, has partnered with Unmanned Systems Technology...

Aug 20, 2021
Boxfish Expands to Bring ROVs to Europe

Boxfish Research based in New Zealand has expanded to bring their high-tech ROV solutions to Europe, via collaboration with Transmark...

Apr 01, 2021
Underwater Cinematography ROV Introduced

Deigned for professional underwater videographers and photographers, the next-generation Boxfish cinematography drone delivers full-frame, 8K video from a depth of...

Mar 02, 2021
Regional Offices & Locations
Boxfish Robotics New Zealand 234A Orakei Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand +64 9 600 1910 Contact Website
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