This week, I had the opportunity to visit Yunchaotech, an innovative underwater robotics company based in Ningbo, Zhejiang. The company has made impressive technological breakthroughs. Established in 2020, Yunchaotech focuses on the industrialization of underwater robotics, aiming to enhance human capabilities in exploring ocean resources and underwater spaces through ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) technology. After securing two rounds of funding and investing five years into continuous research and development, the company has successfully scaled up production of its consumer-grade YC-X series and engineering/military-grade YC-D series products. Remarkably, Yunchaotech is among the few domestic companies to have independently developed and patented its own propulsion system for underwater equipment (Underwater Robots)
Key Technological Breakthroughs
Yunchaotech’s products feature self-developed propulsion systems, which effectively solve the operational challenges faced by traditional ROVs in complex water environments. Moreover, the company’s innovative modular design enables quick integration of over 20 specialized tools, such as sonar, robotic arms, and 4K imaging systems. This flexibility allows the company to offer highly adaptable solutions for various underwater tasks.
Industry Solutions
In the offshore wind energy sector, the YC-D Underwater Robot series has already proven effective in several high-profile projects. For instance, the system has been used to inspect the cables and pile foundations of offshore wind turbines for the Three Gorges Group. Additionally, it played a key role in repairing underwater cables at the Changle offshore wind farm in Fujian and assisting with maintenance for cross-sea bridges.
Yunchaotech’s military-grade products have also delivered outstanding results in different applications. These include monitoring the health of bridge pile foundations, conducting smart inspections of underground pipelines in cities, and detecting hidden issues in reservoir dams. In all of these cases, the company’s technology has significantly increased inspection efficiency.
Education Ecosystem Development
Looking towards the future, Yunchaotech has also been making strides in the educational sector. The consumer-grade YC-X Underwater Robot series has formed long-term partnerships with institutions like Shanghai Yaohua Education Group. Moreover, over 20 universities, including Zhejiang University and Ocean University of China, have incorporated these products into their laboratories, helping to foster the next generation of engineers and researchers.
