# Saipem presents autonomous subsea robots and Scarabeo 8 capabilities at ONS

> The exhibition combined underwater inspection technology with the company's experience in Norwegian offshore drilling.

- Topic: Technology
- Event date: 2026-08-24
- First published on EPC Feed: 2026-10-28T15:40:11.945Z
- Updated: 2026-10-28T15:40:11.945Z
- Companies: Saipem
- Countries: Norway
- Page: https://epcfeed.com/news/saipem-ons-2026-flatfish-hydrone-subsea-robotics


Saipem presented its FlatFish underwater vehicle and the operating experience of Hydrone-R at ONS 2026 in Norway, according to a company announcement dated 24 August. The presentation brought together subsea robotics and offshore drilling capabilities, including a model of the Scarabeo 8 semi-submersible rig. The announcement describes technologies and operational experience shown at an industry exhibition, rather than a new contract award or a separate investment decision for a field development.

FlatFish is designed for advanced autonomous inspection missions, with the company stating a maximum operating depth of 3,000 metres. Hydrone-R has a different emphasis: inspection and intervention, with experience from several years of offshore activity in Norway. Both belong to the Hydrone programme. Saipem describes that programme as a subsea robotics ecosystem using artificial intelligence to perform complex autonomous missions and support extended operation below the surface.

The company said vehicles within the ecosystem can remain on the seabed for up to 12 months, alternating between work and charging at dedicated docking stations. That description refers to the operating concept and stated capability, not an assertion that every vehicle continuously performs missions for a full year. Saipem links the approach with reduced reliance on support vessels, lower associated emissions and changes in how offshore inspection and intervention work can be organised.

The drilling element of the stand focused on Scarabeo 8. At the announcement date, the rig was working for Aker BP offshore Norway. Saipem described it as designed for year-round work in severe conditions, including those encountered in the Barents Sea. The unit can use both dynamic positioning and anchoring, giving it different station-keeping options for offshore operations. The company also described a design based on the prevention of discharges to the sea during operations.

The combined presentation illustrates two distinct requirements in the offshore supply chain. Resident robots are aimed at inspection and intervention around underwater assets, while a semi-submersible drilling rig provides a platform for well activities in demanding environments. Saipem did not publish a new sale price or a fresh drilling commitment in this exhibition announcement. Its relevance is the practical description of equipment capabilities and Norwegian operating experience available to project teams assessing offshore technology and marine execution approaches.

## Sources

1. [Saipem brings its autonomous Flatfish and Hydrone-R underwater drones to ONS 2026](https://www.saipem.com/en/media/news/saipem-brings-its-autonomous-flatfish-and-hydrone-r-underwater-drones-to-ons-2026). Company release, Saipem, Published 2026-08-24, Read 2026-10-28.