Ocean Power Technologies Tests WAM-V Drone in U.S. Army Surf-Zone Demo
Event summary
- Ocean Power Technologies (OPTT) is participating in a week-long uncrewed surface vehicle demonstration hosted by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory in Duck, North Carolina, starting September 9, 2026.
- The demonstration will evaluate technologies designed to sustain uncrewed surface vehicle operations through surf zones, breaking waves, currents, and coastal inlets.
- OPT’s WAM-V® maritime drone platform will be tested for bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection in live coastal conditions.
- The WAM-V platform uses an articulating suspension system for stability and a modular architecture for various sensing payloads.
The big picture
The demonstration highlights the growing importance of autonomous maritime technologies for defense and civil applications, particularly in nearshore operations where traditional vessels face significant challenges. OPT’s participation underscores the strategic value of its WAM-V platform in addressing critical gaps in bathymetric mapping and hazard detection, areas increasingly prioritized by military and engineering agencies.
What we're watching
- Technology Validation
- Whether the WAM-V platform can demonstrate reliable autonomous operations in challenging surf-zone conditions, potentially opening new mission sets for uncrewed surface vehicles.
- Follow-On Opportunities
- The pace at which promising technologies from the demonstration may be considered for follow-on testing by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, subject to funding availability.
- Market Expansion
- How successful deployment in defense applications could influence OPT’s positioning in the broader maritime drone market, including civil and research sectors.