The National Robotarium – Frontier Robotics

Frontier Robotics

Frontier Robotics are a pioneering underwater robotics company developing advanced perception and autonomy technologies for subsea operations. Co-founded by CEO Dr Jonatan Scharff-Willners and COO David Wavell, the company enables underwater robots to navigate, map and inspect complex environments more autonomously, with applications across offshore energy and the wider blue economy.

Based at The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, Frontier emerged from research connected to the ORCA Hub, a precursor to The National Robotarium’s autonomous underwater robotics research theme led by Professor Yvan Petillot.

Through its industry residency with The National Robotarium, Frontier Robotics have benefited from access to specialist facilities, robotics expertise, engineering talent and a collaborative innovation ecosystem, helping accelerate the development and validation of its technology.

In 2025, the company reached an important milestone with its first commercial sale to ORE Catapult, providing visual sensing and autonomy technology to support offshore renewable energy inspection.

This momentum continued in 2026 when global ROV technology company Imenco Future Technologies made a strategic investment in the company. The partnership will support further product development, technology integration and international commercialisation.

Frontier Robotics’ journey illustrates The National Robotarium’s role in creating an environment where robotics innovation can progress from academic research to commercial deployment, industry investment and global growth.