The Sonobot 5 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) is a lightweight, foldable catamaran developed by German high-tech company EvoLogics.
Built for single-operator deployment, the compact and rugged system pairs advanced sensors with flexible operations for reliable results in any environment. It is designed to minimise setup and handling effort while providing a professional foundation for data gathering and mission support, whether used independently or as part of a coordinated fleet.
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The USV is intended for automated hydrographic and bathymetric surveying, cooperative robotic missions, environmental monitoring, hazard detection, infrastructure inspection, and search and rescue tasks in inland and coastal waters.
Sonobot 5 USV design and features
The Sonobot 5 USV features an optimised catamaran hull and measures 810mm (2.6ft) in height and 690mm when swimming. It is 954mm wide and 1,291mm long, with a draught of 120mm, measured with the propeller above the keel line.
Depending on configuration, the USV weighs between 24kg (53lb) and 33kg and is built for transport in two boxes and for tool-less assembly and disassembly.
All components are rated to IP 68 and made from durable, marine-grade carbon fibre, stainless steel and plastics, enabling it to be used effectively in both clean water and industrial wastewater environments.
The package includes the Sonobot 5 USV, a radio remote control and a land station with tripod and antennas, alongside a field PC, although the software is not included.
The transport case is designed for sustained professional use, with external dimensions of 1,532mm × 585mm × 514mm depending on configuration, and an overall weight of approximately 60kg depending on configuration.
Payload options
The Sonobot 5 USV can be configured for standard survey work, infrastructure inspection or diver support, with a range of payload variations including sonar options such as single-beam echosounder, side-scan sonar, multibeam sonar and forward-looking sonar.
As standard, the USV includes a fully integrated high-definition TV network camera with built-in photo and video storage. Other imaging payloads include a stereo camera, which provides a resolution of 1920 × 1200 and a light detection and ranging sensor.
An optional underwater camera can be housed in a submergible pod angled 45 degrees downwards with a 111-degree wide-angle view, providing full HD real-time imagery and supporting either manual control or mission control via Neptus, with photos and videos stored separately.
An optional thermal camera is also available, which provides 640 × 512 resolution at 30Hz and a measurement range of -25°C to +150°C, using a 13mm lens with a 45-degree × 37-degree field of view and operating at temperatures from -15°C to +50°C.
The platform can also be equipped with AI-based payloads including an AI-based object recognition module and a collision avoidance system. Onboard AI supports data processing and analysis, aiming to speed up decision-making by turning collected information into operationally useful outputs.
For acoustic operations, the Sonobot 5 USV can be fitted with an ultra-short baseline antenna arm, allowing it to act as a mobile surface gateway linking underwater assets, divers and autonomous underwater vehicles to topside control through integrated acoustic and radio communications.
Geo-positioning payload options include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Differential GNSS and Real-Time Kinematic GNSS.
A Total Station option is also available to provide accurate positioning without relying on GNSS, supporting operations under bridges or near tall structures where satellite coverage may be limited.
Control and communications
The field PC is a ruggedised system with a durable chassis and high-brightness display, rated to IP65 and compliant with MIL-STD810G. The control software is a dedicated suite for Sonobot operations, supplied either pre-installed on the field PC or as a stand-alone licence for third-party hardware.
The platform’s communications suite uses a mesh Wi-Fi network at 2.4GHz, backed by a redundant 868MHz radio channel with a 915MHz option. WiFi configuration using a tripod-mounted antenna provides coverage up to 800m with an omnidirectional set-up and 1.5km with a directional antenna, while an optional StreamCaster radio extends coverage to more than 2km under optimal conditions.
Cellular Long Term Evolution and Iridium satellite links are also available.
Performance of Sonobot 5 USV
The Sonobot 5 USV features high-efficiency propulsion and interchangeable battery modules that deliver dependable operation and an endurance of up to nine hours, positioning the system for both brief sorties and extended, data-heavy missions.
The system is intended to be deployed at speeds of 0.5–2m/s over ground and operate in conditions up to 5Bft (Beaufort scale), provided there are no breaking waves. Its operating region exceeds 30km at 1m/s depending on the configuration.
Control can be manual or map-based, with an autopilot available for autonomous operation.
Orders and deliveries
In June 2026, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, signed a contract with BUVI Scandinavia, EvoLogics’ distribution partner, to supply Sonobot 5 systems to the Swedish Armed Forces, primarily to support field operations surveying waterways ahead of floating bridge deployment.
The contract is valued at Skr43m ($4.6m), including options, and covers the full system package, support services and training. The army engineering corps is expected to be the main operator, with procurement handled by FMV’s Army Materiel business area in coordination with the Navy Materiel business area. Deliveries are planned for the autumn of 2026.
