Tom Loefler — Raising the bar

Robots for healthy oceans

Using underwater drone technology to reduce the negative impacts of boats on our oceans.

All ocean vessels require frequent inspection and maintenance. Part of the reason for doing this is to reduce emissions, microplastics and invasive species. Robots can unlock solutions to this enormous environmental challenge. With a mission to use robots to improve ocean health, Tom's team designed and built the world’s most sophisticated underwater drone.

Our city is a globally-leading robotics hub. Hear how Sydney-based startup Hullbot uses machine learning and low-cost cameras to solve one of the hardest problems in mobile robotics.

Bio

Tom Loefler is an inventor, industrial designer and tech innovator on a mission to use robots to improve ocean health. He is the co-founder of Hullbot, which develops underwater drone platforms that can inspect, map and interact with submerged structures.

Prior to founding Hullbot, Tom developed product concepts and prototypes across transportation, medical devices, scientific equipment, architecture and consumer products. He has also worked as a freelancer and contractor in TV and film, creative fabrication, architecture and construction. Tom studied naval architecture and mechanical engineering and worked in boat manufacturing and fitout.