Norway's New Ocean Drones Dive 1,640 Feet Deep

Exploring the ocean depths just got a whole lot easier thanks to two new underwater drones from Norway's Blueye Robotics.

The company recently released the X3 Ultra and X7, compact remotely operated vehicles that can dive deep into the ocean while sending live 4K video to users on the surface. Think of them as your personal submarine scouts, controlled from a smartphone or tablet on your boat.

The X3 Ultra can plunge to depths of 305 meters (about 1,000 feet), capturing stunning underwater footage with its 4K camera and powerful 3,300-lumen spotlight. Weighing just 19 pounds out of water, it's light enough to carry but tough enough to handle serious ocean exploration for up to five hours on a single charge.

The bigger sibling, the X7, takes things even deeper at 500 meters (1,640 feet). It boasts seven thrusters for complete maneuverability in all directions, plus spotlights that blast out 10,000 lumens combined to illuminate the darkest ocean trenches.

Both drones can be equipped with attachable tools like grippers, environmental sensors, and sonar units. The X7 offers seven powered ports for accessories, turning it into a versatile underwater research station.

Users control the drones through a tether that transmits live video to a Wi-Fi module, which then connects wirelessly to your mobile device. You can pilot them using an app or a dedicated Bluetooth joystick controller for more precise movements.

The Ripple Effect

These underwater explorers are already making waves in ocean research and conservation. Scientists can now study marine ecosystems without expensive research vessels, while environmental groups can monitor coral reefs and marine life more affordably. Commercial divers use them to inspect underwater structures safely, and marine biologists can observe deep-sea creatures in their natural habitat without disturbing them.

The technology represents a significant step toward democratizing ocean exploration. What once required massive funding and specialized equipment is now accessible to universities, conservation groups, and marine research organizations worldwide.

At around $19,000 and up depending on features, these drones sit in a sweet spot between hobby-grade underwater cameras and prohibitively expensive professional equipment. They're opening doors for smaller research teams and conservation projects that previously couldn't afford deep-sea exploration tools.

The ocean covers 70 percent of our planet, yet we've explored less than 20 percent of it. Tools like these bring us closer to understanding and protecting the vast underwater world that remains largely mysterious.