25th February 2025, Larnaca, Cyprus
A live demonstration at sea of swarms of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) took place yesterday at Ayia Napa Marina showcasing the potential of a world-leading technology of resident, fully autonomous resident underwater systems that will assist competent authorities and organisations in the restoration and protection of marine protected areas.
The event, organised by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), SignalGeneriX and French companies Arkeocean and Lanego, with the support of the Embassy of France in Cyprus, brought together many stakeholders from the shipping, environment, energy and defense sectors, including police officials and civil servants from various ministries.
The opening ceremony was addressed by the French Ambassador in Cyprus, H.E. Mrs. Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, followed by speeches from representatives of ArkeOcean, CMMI, Lanego and SignalGeneriX. After the live demonstration at sea of Arkeocean’s current AUVs swarm system, a press conference took place where the design of the EONIOS Swarm System was unveiled, marking a key milestone in the advancement of the project and its potential in the long-term.
An exhibition space was also set up at the same venue, showcasing important research infrastructure and innovative technologies developed by EONIOS consortium members.
A few words about EONIOS
The aim of the project is to develop the world’s first resident, fully autonomous solution called ‘EONIOS’, a micro-AUV swarm system with AUV docking stations integrated in nature-based artificial reefs to explore, protect and regenerate biodiversity designated underwater areas including marine ecosystems.
‘EONIOS’, that is foreseen to be ready and functional by the end of 2025, is the outcome of a Franco-Cypriot cooperation in Marine and Maritime Research and Innovation following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and of a research and development agreement last year between the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), SignalGeneriX Ltd and French companies Arkeocean and Lanego, aiming at the development of new innovative products.
The event, that was under the auspices of the French Embassy in Cyprus, reaffirms the joint commitment of France and Cyprus in strengthening their bilateral relations and in facilitating research exchanges and collaboration in marine and maritime science and technology.
About the partners:
Arkeocean leads the future of underwater exploration and security with swarms of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). It provides critical systems for defense, energy, and environmental monitoring. Its cutting-edge technology secures strategic areas, conducts advanced surveillance missions, and protects marine ecosystems. As a pioneer in large-scale swarm systems that massively acquire 3D data, Arkeocean is leveraging its technology to tackle the most significant underwater challenges. From protecting submarine cable systems, to creating underwater networks by connecting any objects into a swarm; Arkeocean is making ocean exploration accessible through scalability and innovation. For more information visit: www.arkeocean.com.
LANEGO is a French consulting company which offers personalised and adapted support to innovative Start-ups, Scales-ups and SMEs to accelerate successfully their international development while reducing risks by relying on an international network of experts from business sectors and countries. Our consultants help you conquer new growing markets in Tech, Defence, Renewable Energies and Environment.
The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) was established in April 2019, with EU and National Funding, as a Centre of Excellence in research, technology development, and innovation. Driven by the needs of industry and society, CMMI is focused on transforming the marine and maritime sectors and on providing some of the urgent solutions required to the global challenges. It has nine Research and Innovation Centres that are involved in marine technology, marine robotics, maritime digitalisation, marine observation, marine and coastal ecosystems, marine biotechnology and aquaculture, the maritime human element, marine cultural heritage, marine and maritime policies and regional cooperation.
SignalGeneriX demonstrates 20 years of established experience in defence signal processing and communications with focus on the design and manufacturing of innovative electronic warfare and autonomous systems electronics. The company is acknowledged with numerous international innovation awards and is ranked as the top European SME in EDIDP defence R&D contracts participation.
For more information contact:
CMMI Press office – www.cmmi.blue
