Thalassa's robotics subsidiary waves ex-navy advisors aboard

Navy veterans, retired Rear Admiral Jon Westbrook and former Commodore Phillip Titterton, will be defence advisor and defence consultant, respectively, providing strategic on potential applications the robotics subsidiary's underwater vehicle technology with an emphasis on the defence sector, while also contributing to growth initiatives.

Duncan Soukup, chairman of Thalassa, said: "We are encouraged by the progress made to date in the development of ARL's AUV and swarm technology. I am confident that these appointments will allow us to accelerate the development of the autonomous nodes."

Westbrook, whose distinguished Royal Navy career culminated as chief of staff allied maritime command Naples, has served as an advisory board member to Autonomous Surface Vehicles, while Titterton served as deputy director combined joint operations of the sea centre of excellence, Norfolk, Virginia.

The AIM-traded company also reported that its subsidiary has hired software engineer Abhinav Bharti and mechanical engineer Ella Richards for the technology’s development.

Dave Grant, executive chairman of Autonomous Robotics, said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Jon Westbrook and Phillip Titterton, both of whom bring a wealth of experience in the defence sector. We are also pleased that Abhinav Bharti and Ella Richards have chosen to join us which we anticipate will accelerate the development of the autonomous underwater vehicle."

Meanwhile, Rafael Albea, who served as Autonomous Robotics’s chief executive since December, has resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities with effect from 10 August.

Thalassa’s shares were unchanged at 88.50p at 1607 BST.