Robotics at Sea: When the ocean breaks your assumptions with Jonathan Laporte

In this episode of Tech Talks, Danielle Blake, Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Jonathan Laporte, Head of Software and Product Director at Fugro, to explore what happens when robotics leaves controlled environments and enters one of the most demanding places on Earth: the ocean.

Drawing on years of experience building autonomous maritime systems, Jonathan explains why the sea challenges many of the assumptions engineers make when developing robots. The conversation explores the realities of operating in environments with unreliable connectivity, changing currents, GNSS-denied navigation, and limited communication, where robots must make intelligent decisions despite constant uncertainty.

Jonathan also discusses autonomy beyond simulation, the role of edge computing, and why designing systems that succeed offshore creates valuable lessons for robotics far beyond the maritime sector. From logistics and industrial automation to humanoids and other autonomous systems, this episode offers practical insight into building robots that can perform reliably in the real world, not just in controlled conditions.

About the guest

Jonathan Laporte is Head of Software and Product Director at Fugro, where he leads the development of autonomous systems for maritime robotics. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of robotics, autonomy, and offshore operations, designing systems that must perform reliably in some of the world's most challenging environments.

From creating the DriX uncrewed surface vessel at iXblue to building an autonomy software division at Fugro, Jonathan has spent years turning complex engineering concepts into real-world robotic systems. His experience spans robotics, shipbuilding, and software, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to move autonomy from simulation to successful deployment at sea.

To speak to this episode's host, Danielle Blake, please email her at d.blake@lawrenceharvey.com.