Every day, new subsea concepts and challenges arrive that explore the limits of the possible. Projects often present problems without clear or straightforward solutions, a process we call “seeing the future, daily.” Innovation emerges from the combination of imagination, experience, and technical skill, along with the willingness to pursue solutions that may initially seem unattainable. Today, this work is supported by an expanding suite of advanced tools—including AI, machine learning, and high-fidelity simulation—that enable faster, safer, and more ambitious system development.
NEW PRESSURE VESSELS
Global demand continues to evolve, with requests spanning the full spectrum of Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy (PVHO)—from submarines and diving systems to medical hyperbaric chambers, underwater habitats, and space simulation facilities. One technology in particular has reshaped what is possible: large-scale acrylic structures and acrylic pressure hulls.
In recent years, both industry and consumers have shown growing interest in underwater exploration, transparent submersibles, and extended-duration habitats. This desire for immersive visibility has driven a dramatic shift toward pressure hulls made largely—or entirely—of clear acrylic. What once seemed experimental is now a major design direction for subsea vehicles, hyperbaric systems, medical facilities, In-house development of advanced high-strength acrylic bonding technologies—achieving 90–95% of parent-material tensile strength, significantly exceeding legacy norms—has enabled acrylic systems of unprecedented scale and integrity.
Today’s PMMA castings achieve strengths that surpass historical ASME minimums, and our bonding technologies leverage these advancements to support innovative hull geometries and load-bearing structures never previously achievable. This work also supports our capabilities in large aquariums, deep-sea habitats, and transparent research structures.
ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Complementing PVHO innovations, high-reliability subsea power and electromechanical systems are essential for effective and safe underwater operations. This spans the full range of energy storage, propulsion and motion control: high-precision custom motors, pressure-tolerant lithium battery systems, advanced motor controllers, compact high-pressure pumps, and rugged robotic actuators for valve operation and mechanical manipulation. It is uncommon for companies in this sector to manage both the design and production of motors entirely in-house.
The ability to produce every component— rotors, stators, housings, control electronics, wiring systems—and develop the custom software needed for each unique application provides unique flexibility. This vertical integration enables extraordinary optimization: increased energy efficiency, reduced power budgets, minimized internal losses, and form factors tailored specifically to deep-ocean environments.
Additional advancements include a new generation of high efficiency pressure-tolerant high-power motor drives, allowing electronics to operate directly under ambient pressure and significantly reducing overall system volume. These technologies support AUVs, deep-ocean research platforms, intervention systems, subsea pumps, and robotic tools that operate far beyond human reach. While these systems do not involve human occupancy, their mission- criticality is absolute. Reliable operation thousands of meters below the surface demands engineering discipline equal to that of manned systems. Remote battery charging technologies and technological advances in super-capacitors present some exciting new ideas that can impact the efficiency of subsea concepts of operation.
THE GOVERNANCE CRISIS
While technological innovation has accelerated rapidly, governance has not kept pace. The Titan submersible accident brought global attention to what experts in the field have long recognized: the operational safety of PVHO systems cannot be left to market forces, voluntary compliance, or “buyer beware” disclaimers. Despite the impression that no standards existed, robust design pathways—including ASME PVHO-1 and long-standing classification society processes—have been in place for decades. The true challenge lies in the widening gap between technology deployment and regulatory oversight.
This gap is visible across several fronts:
- The rapid emergence of non-metallic pressure vessels
- Consumer-marketed “PVHO experiences” that lack engineering scrutiny
- A proliferation of low-pressure wellness hyperbaric chambers operating outside medical oversight
- International imports circumventing existing safety norms
- Market pressures that reward speed over safety
Particularly concerning is the accelerating wellness hyperbaric market, where thousands of low-pressure chambers—often operating just below regulatory thresholds— are sold to an unsuspecting public. Few consumers realize that even a 2 psi pressure differential can pose significant physiological risk. ASME PVHO standards have long recognized this, regulating all pressure vessels operating above 2 psig (1.14 ATA). This is often misunderstood because FDA medical and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel codes apply only above 15 psig differential, creating loopholes some manufacturers exploit to claim exemption from PVHO requirements. Additionally, global oversight remains inconsistent, fragmented, and in some regions nonexistent.
This governance challenge extends into aerospace-derived technologies now entering consumer markets. Altitude simulators and low-pressure athletic training environments— originally developed for military and aerospace use—are being repurposed for general wellness and performance enhancement. Without strong oversight, these systems risk overwhelming regulatory frameworks and expose significant commercial pressures.
LEADERSHIP WITH STEWARDSHIP
Hydrospace is not only advancing the engineering of future subsea and hyperbaric systems—we are helping shape the standards and governance structures needed to ensure their responsible use.
Our contributions span:
- Design, fabrication, and certification of manned submersibles
- Leadership in acrylic pressure-hull engineering and bonded structures
- Development of pressure-tolerant electromechanical power systems
- Medical-grade hyperbaric chamber engineering and certification
- Contributions to international PVHO standards and classification frameworks
- Design-by-Analysis methods that accelerate safe innovation
Operating at the intersection of cutting- edge engineering and public safety stewardship, it is a role that is increasingly vital as technology becomes more accessible and commercial pressure increases. Submersibles, hyperbaric chambers, wellness systems, and space-environment simulators all share a common truth: they are pressure vessels for human occupancy, and their safe operation demands rigorous, enforceable standards.
A SAFER, MORE AMBITIOUS FUTURE
The future of subsea technology promises extraordinary advancements—greater visibility, new modes of exploration, deeper habitats, smarter vehicles, and power systems capable of supporting missions once reserved for national programs. Acrylic structures will evolve into new architectures. Advanced electromechanical systems will power deeper, longer, and more autonomous missions. AI-driven tools will accelerate design cycles and improve safety.
But none of this can progress responsibly without strong governance.
Our industry must continue to lead on both fronts: the technology that enables the future and the framework that keep it safe. We believe the future of subsea exploration and hyperbaric technology can be bold, imaginative, transparent, and safe—and we are working every day to ensure that this future is realized with integrity.
This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2026 January Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology Vol. 6, to read more access the magazine here.
