FullDepth and EJEC agree investment-backed underwater-robot partnership
The partners will combine vehicle development and infrastructure-engineering expertise to build and produce small autonomous underwater vehicles in Japan.
FullDepth and Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants (EJEC) have announced a capital and business partnership to develop small autonomous underwater vehicles for infrastructure inspection. EJEC will invest in FullDepth alongside a signed development agreement, the companies said on August 31, 2026. The investment amount was not disclosed.
Developing a domestic AUV platform
FullDepth will lead technical development of the vehicles, while EJEC will define applications and commercial requirements. The engineering company plans to provide specifications and feedback on prototypes drawn from its work with rivers, dams, ports, coastal facilities and water infrastructure.
The companies previously completed a joint AUV demonstration project and have worked together on infrastructure inspections. Their new agreement extends that relationship into vehicle development and production, with the aim of keeping design, manufacturing, maintenance and repair within Japan.
The partners cited long repair lead times for imported AUVs and higher procurement costs as reasons to develop a domestic alternative. FullDepth contributes its experience building industrial remotely operated underwater vehicles and collecting underwater data.
Use of funds
Jointly develop and produce small autonomous underwater vehicles in Japan