Youcan Robot: A Quantum Leap in Underwater Robotics

Up until recently, zooming over tall buildings and treetops while shooting breathtaking aerial photographs and videos, drones were taking over only the skies. Today, however, with the emergence of underwater robots, these smart devices are also heading beneath the surface of the water, making it possible to explore and discover the great unknowns of the aquatic world. From ocean floor mapping and marine exploration to salvage operations and inspection of oil rigs and pipelines, underwater robots are finding applications in numerous marine services. Based in Shanghai, China, Youcan Robot, a forward-looking robotics company, perceived the immense potential of underwater drone technology and decided to venture into the market to make the most of it. Established in March 2016, the firm is driven by the concept of “Endless of Exploration,” and is committed to innovating and developing intelligent underwater devices. Snow Lee, Founder and CEO of the two-year-old company, says, “Youcan Robot is a pioneer in underwater robotics and video imaging. We are an emerging high-tech company with a global strategic vision for underwater robot products and services.” In August of 2016, the company released its first product—BW1, an affordable, remotely operated underwater robot that unlocked a new era of ocean exploration. With a 4K video camera and a 12MP image camera, the smart underwater drone offered high-definition photos and videos. When first launched, it attracted great enthusiasm and attention in the marketplace. This success drove Lee to invest his time and know-how in developing consumer-grade underwater robots.

Dedicated to the research and development (R&D), production, and sales of underwater drones, Youcan recently created and launched the world's first state-of-the-art, intelligent tracking underwater drone— BW Space, which finds applications in underwater entertainment, ocean exploration, and more. A submersible robot with image recognition technology, automatic light adjustment, and live broadcast function, BW Space has a battery life of seven hours and the ability to provide 4K high-definition images, live-stream videos and photos, and dive to a depth of 100 meters. Based on powerful computer algorithms and cutting-edge image recognition technology, the device enables users to track and shoot a target within a range of 0.5 to 5 meters underwater. The intelligent tracking and light adjustment functions of BW Space allow the device to autonomously follow a target underwater and adjust the lighting according to the surrounding conditions. “These smart features are what set our product apart in the robotics field,” remarks Lee.

Youcan’s core technical team comprises over 20 people that have 10 years of R&D experience in video and image processing and multimedia technology. The team members also possess rich practical experience in fluid mechanics, control algorithms, and internet information processing, all of which are necessary for developing smart underwater devices. “They are the linchpin of our growing success,” adds Lee.

Youcan currently has two main branches— Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong, China—and dealers from across U.S., Australia, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. They also have R&D and marketing centers in Shanghai and supply chain production base in Zhejiang, China. In the days to come, Youcan plans to expand its product categories and enrich their performance while improving product experience. In addition, the company also hopes to join marine cultural protection activities such as tracking and monitoring of endangered marine organisms, debris cleaning, marine environmental protection, underwater cultural heritage survey, and excavation. “We will continue to create new, interesting, and intelligent underwater products for global users,” concludes Lee.