{
  "id": 2362165,
  "title": "EyeROV builds underwater robots that inspect where divers cannot reach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/eyerov-builds-underwater-robots-that-inspect-where-divers-cannot-reach",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-21T10:43:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "YourStory",
    "slug": "yourstory",
    "url": "https://yourstory.com/2026/08/eyerov-underwater-inspection-robots"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "EyeROV, a marine robotics company founded in Kochi in 2016 or 2017, specializes in building underwater robots capable of inspecting areas inaccessible to divers. Founded by Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P, both IIT graduates, the company faced initial skepticism from industries hesitant to replace human divers with robots. However, a breakthrough occurred when the DRDO, a government entity, became an early adopter of EyeROV's TUNA underwater robotic system. This validation paved the way for private sector clients, including the Indian Navy, which placed a large order worth ₹47 crore in September 2025. EyeROV's robots can reach depths of 450 meters and are utilized for inspecting various structures, such as dam walls, ship hulls, and underwater tunnels. In addition to their primary tethered robots, EyeROV also offers unmanned surface vessels for hydrographic surveys. The company employs non-destructive testing techniques, including ultrasonic testing, sonar imaging, and AI-based defect detection, to identify issues like corrosion, cracks, and structural wear. EyeROV's innovations have extended to Antarctica and have led to the development of India's first tunnel leakage monitoring solution.",
  "summary": "The Kochi-based company makes remotely operated vehicles and surface vessels for inspecting dams, tunnels, ports and ships, and sells both the machines and the service.",
  "key_points": [
    "EyeROV specializes in underwater robots for inaccessible inspection.",
    "DRDO adopted EyeROV's TUNA system, validating technology.",
    "EyeROV's robots inspect structures up to 450 meters deep."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}