Splash Inc.: Revolutionizing Maritime Security with Autonomous Patrol Boats

Founded in 2024 in Los Angeles, CA, Splash Inc. is a groundbreaking start-up focused on developing autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) to enhance national security by patrolling critical maritime infrastructure. The company is actively working on a future where traditional naval vessels may no longer be necessary. Splash's goal is to create a fleet of low-cost, versatile, and autonomous patrol boats that can dominate the seas, defending assets like oil rigs, shipping terminals, and even borders, all while avoiding the need for costly manned vessels. With a team of only two, the company is ambitious, driven by a strong background in marine robotics, manufacturing, and scaling operations.

Why Is There a Growing Need for Autonomous Surface Vessels?

Maritime threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the current systems in place are struggling to keep up. The Coast Guard and other national security forces are unable to secure all of a country's maritime borders due to limited resources. Vast stretches of coastline remain vulnerable, leaving the country exposed to risks such as the smuggling of narcotics via narco-submarines, illegal immigration, and even attacks on critical infrastructure.

Internationally, the stakes are even higher. As countries face the potential of asymmetric naval warfare, autonomous systems are poised to become the key differentiator. Those at the forefront of maritime robotics will have a substantial advantage in any potential conflict, and without rapid innovation, adversaries are likely to outpace current defenses. The threats posed by autonomous boats and drones are escalating, demanding immediate attention to counteract these risks effectively.

How Are Splash’s Autonomous Boats Different from Traditional Vessels?

Splash’s solution is centered around developing ASVs that are both affordable and versatile. These boats are designed to be low-cost, modular, and easily scalable, making them ideal for rapid deployment in a variety of roles. From securing maritime borders to supporting naval operations and safeguarding critical infrastructure like oil rigs and shipping terminals, these vessels can be adapted to different security needs.

The key differentiating factor lies in the integration of both hardware and software. Unlike traditional naval vessels, which rely on human-operated systems, Splash’s boats will operate autonomously. They are equipped with advanced algorithms capable of identifying suspicious vessels, classifying potential threats, and responding in real time. This means that security teams no longer need to be physically present to ensure the safety of important assets.

What Makes Splash’s Technology Stand Out in the Industry?

Splash’s development of autonomous surface vessels goes beyond just basic patrol boats. Their ASVs are designed with modularity in mind, which means they can carry different types of payloads, such as side-scan sonars for bathymetric mapping or deployable UAVs for inspecting wind turbines. This flexibility enables the boats to be used for more than just security, opening up commercial use cases in a variety of industries.

The company is also committed to developing everything in-house, ensuring complete control over both the hardware and software. This vertical integration allows Splash to optimize the systems for their specific needs, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience for users. The vessels’ full autonomy has already been demonstrated, with over 100 miles successfully driven in San Francisco Bay without a single human input, showcasing the company's rapid progress and the reliability of their technology.

What Challenges Has Splash Encountered, and How Have They Overcome Them?

Like any start-up, Splash has faced challenges, particularly around the speed and complexity of product development. However, the team has embraced a "move fast and break things" philosophy, as demonstrated by their quick iteration process. In the short span of a month, they designed, built, and tested two iterations of their patrol boats. This rapid pace of innovation highlights their ability to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum, even when things don't go as planned.

One of the most significant challenges was ensuring the autonomy of the vessels. However, Splash has already implemented full autonomy and successfully navigated the boats over extensive distances in real-world conditions. In fact, the second iteration of their patrol boat was completed so quickly that it was finished before the first one could be recovered from its initial testing phase, symbolizing the team's resilience and dedication to their mission.

Who Are the Founders Behind Splash Inc.?

The co-founders of Splash, Ivan Avanesov and Marcell Veszpremi, bring a wealth of experience in robotics, engineering, and manufacturing. Ivan, with his background in marine robotics research and a history of founding Vosentech, a company that became the largest supplier of mini smoke machines in the world, is well-versed in designing and scaling products for large customers, including NASA, SpaceX, and the US Navy. His expertise in manufacturing and scaling operations has been crucial in developing Splash’s autonomous boats.

Marcell, on the other hand, has over six years of experience in robotics, embedded systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). His work at UCLA’s RoMeLa on the award-winning Artemis humanoid, as well as his time at Verkada, where he engineered embedded software and battery management for enterprise security systems, has provided him with a strong foundation in the technological aspects of autonomous systems. Marcell’s previous research on low-cost medical devices, highlighted in multiple publications, further showcases his ability to innovate in highly technical fields.

The two founders’ shared passion for robotics, coupled with their entrepreneurial experience, has formed the foundation of Splash. Their diverse skill set, combined with years of collaboration, has empowered them to take on the ambitious task of revolutionizing the maritime security industry.

What Progress Has Splash Made So Far?

In just a few months, Splash has made impressive strides in the development of its autonomous patrol boats. The company has already built and tested two iterations of their vessel, and they have successfully implemented full autonomy. The boats have already covered significant distances, proving their ability to operate without human input.

This rapid progress is a testament to the team’s technical expertise and their focus on speed and efficiency. Their approach to innovation, which involves fast prototyping and continuous iteration, has allowed them to address challenges quickly and move closer to realizing their vision of a fully autonomous fleet of patrol boats.

What Are the Future Plans for Splash Inc.?

Looking ahead, Splash plans to continue developing its fleet of autonomous surface vessels and expanding their capabilities. The company’s long-term vision is to make traditional naval vessels obsolete by creating a fleet of low-cost, versatile boats that can handle a wide range of tasks, from maritime security to commercial applications. As they continue to refine their technology, they aim to scale up production and deliver their boats to military and commercial customers alike.

Furthermore, Splash is committed to advancing the field of maritime robotics and autonomy. By leading the way in this emerging sector, the company hopes to set the standard for the future of naval defense and critical infrastructure protection. With their innovative approach, technical expertise, and clear vision, Splash is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the maritime security industry and beyond.

Conclusion: Why Splash’s Vision Could Shape the Future of Maritime Security

Splash Inc. is at the forefront of a new era in maritime security. By developing autonomous surface vessels, the company is addressing the growing threats in the maritime domain while offering innovative solutions for safeguarding critical infrastructure. Their rapid progress, coupled with the expertise of the founding team, positions Splash as a potential leader in the field of maritime robotics.

As the need for more advanced, cost-effective security solutions becomes more pressing, Splash’s vision of replacing traditional naval vessels with autonomous boats could transform the way nations approach maritime defense. The team’s commitment to speed, innovation, and efficiency, combined with their unique technological approach, makes them a start-up to watch in the coming years.