Ultra-Scalable Deep Ocean Exploration with the Orpheus AUV

Abstract Routine access to deep‑ocean and seabed environments remains constrained by the high cost, complexity, and logistical burden of conventional remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Orpheus Ocean has developed the Orpheus autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to address this challenge through an ultra‑scalable, lightweight, and fully autonomous platform capable of operating to full‑ocean depth. This paper presents the design philosophy, system architecture, and field demonstration results of the Orpheus AUV. The vehicle combines hovering, landing, and long‑duration monitoring capabilities with modular payload integration, enabling high‑resolution benthic surveys, sampling, and environmental monitoring from vessels of opportunity. Results from recent demonstration missions in abyssal environments, including operations up to 6,000 m water depth, are presented to validate system performance. The paper concludes by discussing implications for offshore energy, seabed minerals, and environmental baseline and impact assessment applications, highlighting how scalable autonomous systems can reduce cost, emissions, and operational risk while improving spatial and temporal data coverage.