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From the left: Prof. Wojciech Chmiel, Marcin Ryngwelski, Prof. Krzysztof Wilde. Photograph: Krzysztof Krzempek, Gdańsk Tech
The AGH University of Krakow, Gdańsk University of Technology, and PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ Naval Shipyard) signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the development and production of autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), also known as underwater drones, capable of operating in swarms.
As part of the cooperation, the universities and the shipyard are going to draft and implement a joint R&D project of advanced UUVs capable of working in swarms. The solutions developed are intended to be dual-use and will be applied in military operations, the detection of objects on the seabed, and the monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
AGH University will develop AI algorithms to analyse sensor data and detect objects as well as a system that integrates data from cameras, hydrophones, and other sensors. It will also create algorithms for autonomous operation and coordination of drones within a swarm and navigation without the use of GNSS signals.
“What we have to offer can compete successfully with solutions delivered by partners with much more experience, especially in the military. Systems that are able to work autonomously underwater and cooperate in a swarm – that is a challenge worth undertaking. This could be an important area of specialisation for Poland,” said Dr Wojciech Chmiel, associate professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering, coordinator of the rector’s team for defence cooperation at AGH University.
The Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech) obliges to develop sensor and detection systems, underwater positioning navigation systems, and underwater communication systems, as well as to ensure the integration of on-board systems.
“Polish universities have a lot to offer in terms of the design, development, and production of unmanned vehicles, in this particular case for the lower hemisphere, that is, underwater and surface vehicles. Our dream is for the majority of technological thought to come from us and for supply chains to end as near as possible, here, in Poland,” commented Professor Krzysztof Wilde, rector of Gdańsk Tech.
In turn, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ Naval Shipyard) shall be responsible for the production infrastructure and technology tests and demonstrations under marine conditions.
“Today, engineers are what we lack. That is why it is so important for such projects to feature and develop young staff, for whom modern equipment and technologies come naturally. We, the business, need these specialists,” said Marcin Ryngwelski, president of the shipyard.
The letter of intent was signed on 18 March 2026 at the PowerConnect Energy Fair and Conference held in Gdańsk.
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