Spiri’s Autonomous Systems Propelled to Resolve Global Ocean Challenges

Spiri’s Autonomous Systems Propelled to Resolve Global Ocean Challenges

Patrick Edwards-Daugherty founded Spiri Robotics with a vision to leverage autonomous systems for addressing global challenges.

Initially drawn to robotics through sensor miniaturization in 2011, he saw potential in autonomous technology for tackling a wide array of issues including climate, defence, ecological, and economic challenges.

“I knew as a way to approach our own planet, the climate, the challenges here, defence and government but also ecological and economic, we needed more than just humans to do it,” said Edwards-Daughtery. “We needed a way to actually interact with the real world that we live in. The autonomous systems seemed to be the way to do it.”

In 2015, Edwards-Daugherty restructured the company, giving birth to the current Spiri Robotics, which focuses on autonomous systems for air, sea, and land. Shortly afterward, he learned about the development of COVE and was eager to be involved from an early stage. “This is a water planet, and dealing with the environment means dealing with the ocean,” he noted. Spiri’s robots now deploy sensors and extract readings from water, benefitting significantly from COVE’s collaborative environment.

By collaborating with other tenants that specialize in sensors and equipment, Spiri has been able to enhance its robotic systems. “The challenges in the ocean are too vast for any single organization. Here, we can form coalitions where everyone contributes,” Edwards-Daugherty emphasized. He views COVE as a unique hub where diverse companies—ranging from drone manufacturers to sensor developers and underwater cable experts—work together to solve complex ocean challenges.

Beyond the innovative collaborations, Edwards-Daugherty pointed out the strategic advantage of COVE’s location in Nova Scotia. Having experienced various global marine tech hubs, he believes Nova Scotia stands out as a global leader in marine technology development. “For every global ocean issue, you find a concerned entity in Nova Scotia needing a solution or mitigation strategy,” he stated. “Nova Scotia is well balanced. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”

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