AI-Powered Technology Helping to Spot and Protect Whales in Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is home to some of the world’s most spectacular whale migrations, and Greenroom Robotics is helping protect these giants of the sea.

Greenroom Robotics’ Lookout+ system has been deployed onboard NRMA Marine’s whale-watching vessel, Fantasea Avalon, to enhance both passenger experience and marine safety. The partnership between NRMA Marine and Greenroom Robotics, Australia’s leading maritime autonomy company, represents a significant step toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations on the water.

Smarter Whale Watching with AI

Every year, thousands of whale watchers set sail on Sydney Harbour hoping to glimpse a breaching humpback or a passing pod. This season, they’re also witnessing the power of AI at work.

Lookout+, Greenroom’s vision-based AI technology, provides real-time detection and classification of objects above and below the surface. It can identify and track marine life from over 1 km away, giving vessel crews precious time to manoeuvre safely and avoid collisions.

Globally, an estimated 20,000 whales are killed each year due to vessel strikes. Lookout+ helps reduce that risk by offering continuous 360-degree awareness, operating reliably in all conditions, day or night, rain or shine.

Beyond safety, the system also supports citizen science, gathering valuable environmental data and insights into whale movements along Australia’s east coast.

A Shared Mission for Ocean Stewardship

"As part of NRMA’s commitment to sustainability and ocean stewardship, the integration of Lookout+ allows our team to play a role in building a richer understanding of Australia’s marine environment" - Nigel Ellsmore, Chief Operating Officer, NRMA Marine

With more than 60,000 whale watchers joining NRMA Marine last year, the technology offers a way to bring guests even closer to nature while ensuring that whales remain safe in the process.

"Our collaboration with NRMA represents a powerful alignment with our mission for safe, clean and protected oceans. Our AI-powered marine software can identify more whales than the naked eye. It never gets tired, has 360-degree vision and reliably operates in complex ocean environments and bad weather." - Harry Hubbert, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer, Greenroom Robotics

Leading the Future of Safe and Sustainable Marine Operations

The successful deployment aboard the Fantasea Avalon has led NRMA Marine to continue using Lookout+ across its operations, with plans to expand the technology to more vessels in the fleet.

For Greenroom Robotics, it’s another milestone in applying AI and autonomous systems to real-world maritime challenges, protecting marine life, improving situational awareness, and advancing sustainable ocean technologies.

About Lookout+

Lookout+ is an AI-powered maritime perception system developed by Greenroom Robotics. It uses advanced computer vision combined with cameras to detect, classify and track hazards in real time, improving safety, navigation, and environmental outcomes across commercial, defence and research applications.