Metron and Cellula Robotics Achieve Breakthrough in UUV Technology with ANCC-Guardian Demo

Pioneering Underwater Innovations: Metron and Cellula Robotics

In a significant development for autonomous underwater vehicles (UAVs), Metron Inc. and Cellula Robotics Ltd. have successfully conducted a multi-mission demonstration of their newly enhanced Guardian UUV. This landmark event took place off the stunning coast of Vancouver, Canada, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the ANCC-controlled Guardian, specifically designed to address a variety of undersea defense tasks, including Subsea Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, and Intelligence Preparations of the Operational Environment.

The Guardian UUV represents a revolutionary leap in autonomous technology, integrating Metron's Autonomous Navigation Command and Control (ANCC) software with the innovative design of Cellula Robotics. With its remarkable hydrogen fuel cell technology, the Guardian boasts an astonishing operational range of up to 5,000 km and an endurance extending from 45 to 60 days—capabilities that far surpass traditional battery-powered systems. This operation is the culmination of extensive collaboration that began with the strategic partnership formed in 2024 between both companies.

Key Features of the Demonstration

The open-water demonstration not only revealed technical prowess but also the flexibility and reliability of the Guardian UUV under various mission parameters:

1. Multi-Mission Capabilities: During the demonstration, the Guardian performed a variety of missions, including submerged surveys, depth adjustments, and precise maneuvering—all without human intervention.
2. Zero Human Intervention: The ANCC-Guardian system proved its reliability and effectiveness by completing missions flawlessly without direct human control.
3. Autonomous Deployment: The demonstration featured a self-sufficient operational framework including port launch, hydrogen refueling, and autonomous mission execution, which significantly simplifies long-duration operations in challenging environments.
4. Rapid Integration: The latest version of the ANCC software was integrated and tested on the Guardian within just three weeks, illustrating the collaborative efficiency of Cellula's backseat mission interface.
5. Instant Post-Mission Analysis: Logs and data were reviewed on-site using the ANCC’s user interface, allowing for immediate verification of mission objectives.

Christine Judd, Vice President of Metron’s Unmanned Systems, highlighted the limitations of current UUV technologies and emphasized their commitment to developing effective, autonomous solutions that enhance operational efficiency in restricted communication environments. “Our demonstration stands as a significant milestone in defense collaboration, merging the best commercial advancements with defense requirements to deliver impactful solutions,” she stated.

Furthermore, Van Gurley, the President and CEO of Metron, expressed excitement about the velocity of innovation in defense technology. He underscored the team's dedication to enhancing operational capabilities for Department of Defense applications, noting the growing demand for reliable, long-endurance UUVs.

Cellula Robotics CEO Neil Manning acknowledged his company’s role in redefining subsea autonomy, referencing the decade-long collaboration with Metron as key to achieving their developmental milestones. “This demonstration underscores our growing ability to deliver integrated, innovative solutions that meet the demanding needs of our defense clients,” Manning stated.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Metron and Cellula Robotics plan to broaden their testing initiatives through various open-water demonstrations throughout 2025 in locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This ongoing partnership aims to develop scalable autonomous systems capable of adapting to the evolving landscape of undersea warfare challenges.

About the Companies

Metron Inc.

Metron is an employee-owned organization dedicated to creating innovative solutions that tackle national security's most complex challenges. Their commitment to providing actionable insights backs their technology, ensuring operational readiness.

Cellula Robotics Ltd.

Founded in Canada, Cellula Robotics aims to transform underwater survey and security operations through modular, long-endurance AUV systems. They are committed to excellence, underscored by their impressive quality management system.

This cooperation not only exemplifies advancements in technology but also represents a collective effort towards ensuring national security through intelligent, autonomous solutions for the future of underwater operations.