Whether tethered or autonomous, most ocean-going drones have one thing in common: They operate beneath the surface. Saildrone is different. As the name suggests, its kayak-shaped full is fitted with a sail and spar and bolstered with solar panels and artificial intelligence to navigate the surface of the ocean by itself. As the name suggests, its kayak-shaped hull is fitted with a sail and spar and bolstered with solar panels and artificial intelligence to navigate the surface of the ocean itself.

The alternative design has proven robust and successful. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other government agencies are using the Saildrone design for lengthy marine data gathering missions, and one became the first uncrewed vessel to successfully circumnavigate Antarctica.