Royal3D Launches the ShearWater Aquatic Drone: A New Era in Maritime Innovation
BY Composights
Published: 04 May 2025
Royal3D is excited to unveil its latest
groundbreaking project – ‘the ShearWater Aquatic Drone’ – a
next-generation autonomous drone, designed to revolutionize maritime operations.
Partly subsidized by the EU CrossRoads program, the ShearWater
Aquatic Drone aims to redefine how the group approaches surveillance, data
gathering, and risk reduction in maritime environments.
What is the ShearWater Aquatic Drone?
The ShearWater Aquatic Drone is a cutting-edge prototype
developed by Royal3D, combining Royal3D’s expertise in design, engineering, and
production. This innovative autonomous water drone integrates state-of-the-art
technology and the company’s
3D printing knowledge to bring a new dimension to maritime operations.
At the heart of ShearWater’s design is Royal3D’s IP knowledge, which enables precise control over layer adhesion during the 3D printing process using InfraRed cameras. This breakthrough, coupled with next-generation additive manufacturing techniques, ensures that the drone is optimized for maritime conditions, offering both durability and performance in demanding environments.
The water drone is constructed using specially developed thermoplastic polymers and PETG fiber-reinforced materials, making it strong, stiff, and weldable, while remaining lightweight, watertight, and impact-resistant. This ensures that ShearWater can withstand the harshest maritime conditions, delivering superior performance with every mission. In line with Royal3D’s commitment to sustainability, the drone is made using fully recycled and recyclable materials.
Why the ShearWater Aquatic Drone Matters?
With the ShearWater Aquatic Drone, Royal3D is taking a giant leap forward in maritime technology and meeting the evolving needs of the industry. It is not only a tool for improving operational efficiency in areas like maintenance and surveillance, but it also sets new standards for performance and sustainability in the industry. With its modular and parametric design, ShearWater is an ideal solution for companies seeking to integrate their autonomous systems into Royal3D’s platform, while enhancing safety and productivity.
