The multi-year project is to be carried out in association with BP and Chevron and will entail construction of a prototype vehicle followed by initial onshore tests and subsequent full scale offshore trials. SeeByte's role will be to provide solutions for improved awareness and robot autonomy based on its expertise for automating control processes of underwater vehicles, while Subsea 7, as pioneers of ROV and remote intervention technology, will be responsible for engineering and construction activities.

A long term supporter of advanced AUV technology, BP in particular reckons that successful development will lead to a much wider range of challenging subsea applications while also realising significant operational benefits and cost reductions. Deployed from a host facility, the vehicle will be capable of inspecting risers, pipelines, moorings and other structures while completing general visual inspections. Docking, data exchange and light intervention activities will also be inherent features of its design.