Mirai Robotics, a startup based in Puglia, Italy, has announced the closing of a $4.2 million pre-seed funding round. The company aims to develop autonomous ships and artificial intelligence systems for the maritime sector, with the goal of bringing greater digitization and automation to this field.

Focus on the blue economy

Mirai Robotics aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the "blue economy", i.e. all economic activities related to the oceans, through the use of advanced technologies. The company was founded by the creator of Blackshape, an aircraft manufacturer, and intends to apply similar principles of innovation and engineering to the naval sector.

Software-defined ships

Mirai Robotics' approach is based on the development of "software-defined" ships, i.e. vessels in which functionalities and operations are managed primarily by software. This allows for greater flexibility, adaptability and optimization possibilities compared to traditional ships.