At Anomalous, we believe that innovation thrives when communities come together to collaborate and share knowledge. In the world of subsea robotics, this philosophy has guided us to adopt ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2) as the core software architecture for our Manta AUV. By embracing the power of open-source software and the global ROS community, we are not only enhancing the capabilities of our AUV but also creating new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth within the robotics industry.

In this article, we’ll explore why community-driven development is essential, how ROS2 plays a pivotal role in the future of subsea robotics, and how we’re empowering both our users and the global ROS community through our marketplace.

The Power of Open Source and Community

The open-source software movement has transformed industries across the globe, and robotics is no exception. At Anomalous, we’ve always believed that open collaboration, fueled by shared knowledge, can drive innovation faster and more efficiently than any closed, proprietary system. This is especially true in the complex field of underwater robotics, where adapting quickly to new challenges requires flexible and adaptable technology.

The ROS (Robot Operating System) community is one of the most vibrant examples of this philosophy in action. The ROS2 platform, designed for robust and scalable robotic applications, provides a standardized, open framework that allows developers from all over the world to contribute, collaborate, and innovate. By leveraging this global expertise, we can rapidly evolve our systems and offer cutting-edge solutions to our customers—without having to reinvent the wheel.

Why ROS2 for the Manta AUV?

When designing the Manta AUV, we knew we wanted to create a platform that was not only state-of-the-art but also accessible and adaptable. ROS2 became the obvious choice as the backbone of our software architecture for several key reasons:

1. Scalability and Flexibility: ROS2 is designed for distributed systems, making it ideal for handling the complex operations required for deep-sea exploration. It allows seamless integration of sensors, actuators, and control algorithms, providing flexibility for researchers and commercial users who may need to adapt the AUV for specific missions.

2. Standardization: ROS2 has become a standard in robotics, meaning that developers worldwide are familiar with its architecture. This standardization reduces the learning curve for new users and makes it easier to collaborate across borders and industries.

3. Real-Time Performance: ROS2 introduces real-time capabilities, which are critical for the demanding conditions of subsea environments. Reliable performance under pressure (literally) is essential for the success of any deep-sea mission, and ROS2 provides the necessary infrastructure to ensure stability and responsiveness.

4. Community-Driven Development: By using ROS2, we’re tapping into a massive global community of developers, researchers, and innovators. This community-driven approach means that improvements, bug fixes, and new features are constantly being developed and shared, benefiting all ROS2 users, including Manta AUV operators.

A Marketplace for ROS2 Expertise: Empowering the Community and Users Alike

The adoption of ROS2 opens up exciting possibilities for the Manta AUV, not just in terms of technical capabilities, but also in the way we approach collaboration and support for our users. At Anomalous, we recognize that not every researcher, commercial operator, or AUV user has the resources to maintain an in-house team of robotics experts. That’s why we’ve built a marketplace for ROS2 developers, where Manta AUV customers can connect with skilled ROS2 professionals from around the world.

How the Marketplace Works

Our marketplace is designed to be a bridge between Manta AUV users and the global ROS2 developer community. Here’s how it benefits everyone involved:

1. For AUV Users: Whether you're a marine researcher looking to add specialized sensors to your AUV or a commercial operator needing to modify mission parameters, you no longer need to employ a full-time robotics developer. Instead, you can browse our marketplace, find a ROS2 expert with the right skills, and hire them on a project basis. This approach drastically reduces operational costs and ensures you always have access to the most up-to-date expertise.

2. For ROS2 Developers: The marketplace offers ROS2 developers a unique opportunity to monetize their skills and collaborate on exciting projects from across the globe. By working with Manta AUV users, developers can contribute to real-world missions that align with their interests, whether it’s deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, or underwater infrastructure inspection. This platform allows them to profit from their expertise while participating in groundbreaking underwater research and commercial operations.

3. Mutually Beneficial Collaboration: Our marketplace fosters a symbiotic relationship between AUV users and developers. Researchers and operators gain access to a global pool of talent, while the ROS2 community has a platform to showcase their skills , expand their portfolios and monetize their expertise. Together, this ecosystem ensures that Manta AUV users can easily adapt and optimize their vehicles for specific missions without the burden of maintaining specialized, in-house technical teams.

The Future of Subsea Robotics: Accessible, Collaborative, and Open

At Anomalous, we’re committed to creating a future where advanced subsea robotics is accessible to all—whether you're a scientist studying the ocean’s mysteries, a commercial operator exploring underwater resources, or a nation focused on maritime security. By adopting ROS2 and building a collaborative marketplace, we’re reducing barriers and enabling more organizations to harness the power of deep-sea exploration without the overhead of in-house expertise.

In an era where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking new possibilities. By leveraging the growing ROS2 community, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in subsea robotics—together.

See how we have solved four key challenges that have been driving up the cost of operations at sea:

• Expensive engineering and costly materials": The Mariana Snailfish approach

• Limited autonomy, leading to higher logistical expenses and shorter mission durations: The Giant Manta Ray’s Grace

• Custom hardware and proprietary electronics that inflate the price of development: Off the shelf components, at 6000m.

• Closed-source software, which locks users into expensive licenses and specialized experts: Open source software. Community strength.

Join the Revolution: Whether you're a developer looking to contribute your expertise or a user seeking to unlock the full potential of the Manta AUV, we invite you to join our marketplace. Together, we can push the boundaries of ocean exploration and innovation. Contact us today to learn more about how you can get involved.