Gander Robotics Raises $1.1M to Build Autonomous Search and Rescue Robots

Navy veteran and MIT entrepreneur launches defense robotics company to tackle the man-overboard crisis and combat its 72% fatality rate at sea

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:55am

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Gander Robotics, a defense and dual-use robotics company developing autonomous rescue systems for maritime operations, has closed a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round to help mitigate the maritime industry's 'man-overboard' crisis. The company's flagship product, the Autonomous Rescue Swimmer (ARS), uses AI-powered sonar and precision navigation to locate and rescue personnel in man-overboard emergencies.

Why it matters

The man-overboard problem is one of the most urgent and underserved challenges in maritime safety, with survival rates as low as 17% in the cruise line industry. Gander Robotics' technology aims to transform desperate searches into successful recoveries, buying precious minutes for human rescue teams.

The details

Gander Robotics' Autonomous Rescue Swimmer (ARS) is designed to be hand-tossed in a man-overboard event, using AI-powered sonar to locate victims even in low-visibility and rough-water conditions. The ARS delivers a three-part rescue package: an auto-inflating flotation device to secure the victim, a high-visibility flare for position signaling, and an RF transmitter for continuous location tracking.

  • Gander Robotics was founded at MIT Sloan, where Founder Michael Autery's deep domain expertise and 15 years of Naval experience attracted investors and advisors.
  • The $1.1 million pre-seed funding round was co-led by Impellent Ventures and Underscore VC, marking Gander's official launch in April 2026.

The players

Michael Autery

Founder and CEO of Gander Robotics, a U.S. Navy veteran, ocean engineer, and MIT MBA who turned his maritime experience into a venture-backed company.

Lael Ayala

Co-founder of Gander Robotics and a robotics expert who collaborated with Autery at MIT Sloan.

Impellent Ventures

A venture capital firm that co-led Gander Robotics' $1.1 million pre-seed funding round.

Underscore VC

A venture capital firm that co-led Gander Robotics' $1.1 million pre-seed funding round.

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What they’re saying

“Michael Autery is exactly the kind of founder we look for - a rare combination of deep domain expertise, mission-driven conviction, and the intellectual horsepower to build something that truly matters.”

— Phil Beauregard, Partner at Impellent Ventures

“We see Gander Robotics as a platform for maritime autonomy that starts with rescue but extends to the entire 'non-kinetic' defense space.”

— Lily Lyman, Managing Partner at Underscore VC

“Every sailor and mariner in the world knows the fear of a man-overboard call. I built this company because this problem hits home for me, and I know we can do better. Our technology is a fundamentally new approach to saving lives at sea.”

— Michael Autery, CEO and Founder of Gander Robotics

What’s next

Gander Robotics plans to use the pre-seed funding to accelerate prototype development and testing, supporting the company's active engagements across defense, government, and commercial maritime sectors.

The takeaway

Gander Robotics' innovative approach to autonomous maritime rescue systems has the potential to transform the industry's response to the life-threatening 'man-overboard' crisis, saving lives and setting a new standard for mission-driven defense technology.