Dr Alexander Phillips

Alexander Phillips leads the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) Group at the National Oceanography Centre, developing and operating advanced marine robotic technologies for ocean science. His work spans the development, integration and operation of autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders, uncrewed surface vehicles and remotely operated systems. He has particular interests in long-range and under-ice autonomy, vehicle design and hydrodynamics, autonomous decision-making, mission assurance, and the safe operation of robotic systems in challenging ocean environments.

Alexander has played a leading role in the development and deployment of NOC’s Autosub autonomous underwater vehicles, including long-range systems capable of operating beneath polar ice and at full ocean depth. His work increasingly focuses on translating advances in marine autonomy into reliable operational capability, enabling new approaches to observing and understanding the ocean.

Alongside technology development, Alexander works with scientists, engineers, industry and international partners to develop marine robotic capability and expand access to autonomous ocean observing technologies.