Sources : https://sea-machines.com/

As the maritime industry seeks to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability, advanced technologies are playing an increasingly vital role. One standout company driving innovation in this space is Sea Machines Robotics, a Boston-based pioneer specializing in autonomous command, control, and perception systems for commercial vessels and workboats. By combining cutting-edge AI, sensor fusion, and remote operation capabilities, Sea Machines is transforming how maritime operations are conducted, tackling longstanding challenges faced by vessel operators worldwide.

Conceived by marine engineer Michael G. Johnson, a licensed marine engineer and logistics professional, Sea Machines Robotics was set up in 2015 (initially rooted in 2014 development). Johnson’s vision was shaped by high-stakes maritime engineering and his belief that intelligent automation could redefine sea operations. Sea Machines set out to apply advanced autonomy to maritime transport. Its mission: reduce human error, labor costs, and improve operational safety across marine industries. The company quickly began deploying technology in offshore support, surveying, spill response, and shipping sectors.

Sea Machines Robotics offers a suite of advanced autonomous and remote-command systems that bring intelligence, safety, and efficiency to maritime operations. Their flagship product, the SM300, enables autonomous command and control of vessels by combining AI, computer vision, LiDAR, GPS, and onboard sensors. It allows for fully autonomous navigation, dynamic route optimization, obstacle avoidance, and mission execution without the need for direct onboard crew intervention. 

The SM200, another key product, provides wireless remote-helm control allowing operators to manage workboats and tugboats from a distance using a wearable control unit, greatly enhancing crew safety during hazardous operations such as ship-assist or dredging. Sea Machines also developed JETsense, an AI-based voyage control system for waterjet vessels, created in partnership with HamiltonJet, which integrates sensor fusion and autonomous navigation to deliver precise vessel maneuvering. 

Another product, AI-RIS (Artificial Intelligence Recognition and Identification System), acts as a real-time computer vision system that delivers situational awareness, vessel detection, and collision avoidance. All systems are designed for commercial use and can be retrofitted to existing fleets, making Sea Machines’ technology adaptable for cargo ships, patrol vessels, ferries, offshore support vessels, and even naval platforms. These products reflect Sea Machines’ commitment to creating scalable, modular, and smart autonomy solutions for the global maritime sector.

Despite its impressive technological advancements, Sea Machines Robotics faces opportunities to enhance its systems further. Continued development focused on robust offline capabilities, seamless integration with existing maritime infrastructure, and expanded support for regulatory compliance could accelerate broader adoption and maximize the impact of Sea Machines’ solutions.

Fundraising to date

• Seed Round (May 2017): Raised $1.5 million from Launch Capital, Accomplice VC, LDV Capital, Geekdom Fund, and Techstars (US-based investors) .
• Series A (Dec 2018): Raised $10 million, led by Accomplice Ventures and Eniac Ventures, with participation from Toyota AI Ventures (Japan/USA), Brunswick Corp, TechNexus, NextGen VP, Geekdom Fund, LaunchCapital, LDV Capital, and others.
• Series B (July 2020): $15 million secured, led by Accomplice with participation from Toyota AI Ventures, Brunswick/TechNexus, Geekdom Fund, NextGen, Eniac, LaunchCapital, etc.
• Growth round (Feb 2024): $12 million investment led by Emerald Technology Ventures, joined by Nabtesco Technology Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, Ingram Industries, RKKVC, Level2 Ventures, IMC Ventures, among others (notably Swiss, Japanese, Polish, U.S. and global funds).
  

Case Study

The Machine Odyssey (October 2021)

Operating with an SM300-equipped tug named Nellie Bly, Sea Machines completed a 1,000 nautical-mile autonomous voyage over 13 days around Danish and German waterways. Entirely remotely commanded from Boston more than 3,000 miles away, the mission demonstrated long-haul autonomy, precision navigation, and mission reliability at scale.

Defense Innovation Unit Project (2020–2021)

In a U.S. Department of Defence contract, Sea Machines developed autonomy kits to convert commercial barges into unmanned supply platforms capable of refuelling aircraft at sea. The DoD committed $3.1 million to transition the prototypes into deployable systems.

They’ve also partnered with Rolls-Royce (2021) to jointly develop autonomy systems for yachts, government vessels, and commercial craft.

Final Thoughts

Sea Machines Robotics is at the cutting edge of maritime autonomy, translating advanced perception, remote-command, and AI-based control into real-world maritime solutions. Led by marine engineer Michael G. Johnson, backed by global investors including Toyota AI Ventures and Emerald Technology Ventures, and proven through initiatives like The Machine Odyssey and DoD collaborations, Sea Machines is redefining safety, productivity, and operational intelligence in the marine sector. With applications across workboats, defence logistics, and commercial shipping, Sea Machines is shaping the future of smarter and autonomous sea operations.

References

Sea Machines Robotics. (n.d.). Official Website. Diakses pada 30 Juli 2025, dari https://sea-machines.com

Sea Machines Robotics. (2021). SM300 Autonomous Command & Control System. Diakses dari https://sea-machines.com/technology/sm300/ 

Sea Machines Robotics. (2021). SM200 Remote-Helm Control System. Diakses dari https://sea-machines.com/technology/sm200/ 

HamiltonJet. (2022). HamiltonJet and Sea Machines Announce JETsense Voyage Control System. Diakses dari https://www.hamiltonjet.com/news/jetsense 

Sea Machines Robotics. (2021). Sea Machines Launches AI-RIS Computer Vision System. Diakses dari https://sea-machines.com/sea-machines-launches-ai-ris/ 

TechCrunch. (2021). Sea Machines Raises $15M Series B for Autonomous Boat Tech. Diakses dari https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/21/sea-machines-raises-15m/ 

The Maritime Executive. (2021). Sea Machines Conducts First Long-Distance Autonomous Voyage. Diakses dari https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/sea-machines-begins-its-autonomous-transatlantic-voyage

U.S. Department of Defense. (2020). Sea Machines Contract for Autonomous Refueling Operations. Diakses dari https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/