Cathx Ocean Unveils INKA Iris: The First in a New Generation of Real-Time Subsea Processing Solutions

[Dublin, 1st April 2025] – Offshore surveyors and operators have long faced the challenge of data bottlenecks, where vast amounts of raw subsea data require time-consuming post-mission processing, leading to delays and increased operational costs. Cathx Ocean is set to solve this problem with the launch of INKA Iris at UDT 2025.

INKA is Cathx Ocean’s onboard hardware processing platform, designed to bring real-time AI-driven decision-making to subsea vehicles. Iris is the first camera built on the INKA platform, delivering high-performance imaging and onboard data processing in a compact, power-efficient package. Built on extensive customer feedback and real-world testing, INKA Iris, combined with the Clarity Autonomous Perception Platform, enables subsea vehicles to run AI models directly on the sensor, significantly enhancing real-time data analysis.

Processing at the source: A new era for subsea AI operations

Unlike traditional systems that require extensive post-processing, INKA Iris processes data in real time, directly on the device. This capability significantly reduces manual processing steps after acquisition, enhances survey efficiency, and accelerates decision-making — particularly for mid-sized autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and compact remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) operating in shallow water. By running automated workflows on the vehicle, including AI models, INKA Iris enables valuable use cases such as image enhancement, instant event detection, and automated classification.

Key advantages include:

• Onboard real-time AI processing and up to 70 hours of onboard storage: Data is processed at the point of capture, reducing the need for manual post-processing and lowering data transmission requirements through automated eventing.
• Intuitive user interface and simplified integration: The sensor plus software combination makes INKA Iris one of the most user-friendly systems to operate, reducing training time and improving operational efficiency.
• Optimized for mid-size AUVs and compact ROVs: A compact form factor minimizes payload demands while maintaining full integration with vehicle power and communication systems. Designed for high-speed operations, INKA Iris performs reliably at speeds of up to 5 knots, making it ideal for fast-moving AUVs.
• High-quality imaging in a smaller package: Featuring sub-millimeter resolution, high pixel density, and pulsed lighting technology, INKA Iris delivers clear, high-fidelity imagery even in challenging conditions.
• Optimized auto features for seamless operation: INKA Iris includes Fixed Focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance, minimizing the need for manual adjustments and ensuring reliable, high-quality image capture.
• Future-proofed, AI-driven processing hardware: Designed to support advanced image enhancement, object detection, and machine learning–driven analysis, ensuring long-term usability.

Built for the realities of offshore & shallow-water work

“Survey professionals don’t need more raw data—they need actionable insights as fast as possible,” said Adrian Boyle, CEO of Cathx Ocean.

“With INKA Iris, we’ve delivered real-time AI processing on the vehicle itself, eliminating unnecessary post-mission workflows. This system is the result of 2.5 years of development, shaped by extensive customer feedback, and it marks our entry into the shallow-water market with a powerful, compact imaging solution that can run AI models at the point of data collection.”

Launch and availability

Cathx Ocean will officially launch INKA Iris at Ocean Business 2025, where attendees will see firsthand how this technology transforms subsea data acquisition. First orders will ship in May 2025, with case studies demonstrating its use in object detection and automated eventing applications to follow.

See INKA Iris in action

INKA Iris will be showcased at Ocean Business [Stand W2]. Industry professionals can also request a demo unit or technical consultation at cathxocean.com/contact-us

About Cathx Ocean

Cathx Ocean is a global leader in subsea imaging and real-time data processing. By integrating advanced sensor technology with onboard AI processing, Cathx Ocean enables faster, more efficient, and more intelligent subsea operations. Clarity, Cathx Ocean’s Autonomous Perception Platform, provides the engine that powers real-time data processing and eventing on INKA Iris, bringing new levels of automation to underwater vehicles. Learn more at cathxocean.com/inka-iris

Media contact

Ed Chessman, Cathx Ocean
echessman@cathxocean.com | +353 (0)45 252 786