BlueBoat

From $4,400

AvailableVia SSH / web / bridgeArduRoverOpen source15 kg payloadUp to 62 h

Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: Days (in stock).

Remote control: Connect to its Wi-Fi network and send MAVLink commands (e.g. pymavlink waypoints or guided-mode targets) to ArduRover. BlueOS hosts custom extensions.

LEARN MORE (Official page) ↗

Overview

Blue Robotics' open-source survey catamaran, launched in 2023 as a 'hydrographer's pickup truck'. Electronics live in the hulls so the space between them is free for echosounders and side-scan sonar. GPS waypoint missions, position hold and return-to-home come standard via ArduRover. The same BlueOS software as the BlueROV2 makes it a natural surface companion or research testbed.

Type: Swimming robot · Surface & autonomous boats
Maker: Blue Robotics (USA)
Released: 2023
Price: From $4,400
Status: Available
Best for: Ages 18+
Programming: Open source (hardware + software)

Price and shipping

Base package on Blue Robotics' store. BaseStation $580, batteries and sonars extra

Shipping: Days (in stock). Listed in stock on Blue Robotics' store and shipped from California. Large, heavy package. Blue Robotics store ↗

Specifications

Category	Swimming robots · Surface & autonomous boats
Released	2023
Country	USA
Availability	Available
Programmability	Open source (hardware + software)
Built-in autonomy	Navigates · Goes to places on its own, such as mapped rooms, waypoints or its charging dock
LLM support	Possible via SDK · Open ArduRover autopilot accepts MAVLink commands over Wi-Fi, no built-in LLM.
MuJoCo simulation	None found · Nothing found.
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	None found · Nothing found.
Gazebo simulation	Community model · Community Gazebo Sim model with ArduPilot Rover SITL and ROS 2. gazebosim_blueboat_ardupilot_sitl ↗
Best for	Ages 18+ (estimated)
Vision sensors	No vision sensors
Actuators	Brushless / direct-drive motors
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Raspberry Pi
Remote control	Via SSH / web / bridge
Size	120 × 93 × 46 cm deployed (folds to 120 × 71 × 24 cm), 14.5 kg without batteries
Propulsion	Catamaran with 2 M200 thrusters, differential steering
Depth rating	Surface only (max draft 320 mm)
Tether / comms	Wi-Fi to BaseStation up to 250 m with stock antennas (more with directional antennas), cellular modem kit optional
Camera	None standard, optional USB camera
Sensors	6-DOF IMU, dual compasses, barometer, GNSS (u-blox NEO-M9N)
Runtime	18 h at 1 m/s with 2 batteries, up to 62 h with 8
Speed	3 m/s (6 kn) max
Compute	Raspberry Pi 4 (2 GB) with BlueOS + Navigator flight controller
SDK	ArduRover (MAVLink), BlueOS, QGroundControl / Cockpit