Shaanxi Ouka Electronic Intelligent Technology

About Shaanxi Ouka Electronic Intelligent Technology

Shaanxi Ouka Electronic Intelligent Technology, operating as ORCAUBOAT, was founded in Xi'an in 2017 by CEO Dr. Zhu Jiannan. Dr. Zhu, an alumnus of Northwestern Polytechnical University's College of Navigation, began his research into unmanned surface driving during his studies, which included work on visual algorithms and autonomous driving in Israel and the Netherlands. The company is focused on developing embodied AI for maritime applications, following an "AI for Boats" strategy. ORCAUBOAT has developed a "one brain, many bodies" product architecture, which combines a universal intelligent system with various vessel types. The core of this architecture is the ORCA-APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System), a full-stack marine AI system that integrates an embodied brain, intelligence hub, and physical components. This system provides L2 to L4 level autonomy, enabling functions like autonomous navigation, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and remote docking for vessels ranging from 10,000-ton cargo ships to leisure yachts. Notably, the ORCA-APAS was the first system to receive a Type Approval Certificate for Autonomous Navigation Systems from the China Classification Society (CCS). The company's product line serves both B2B and consumer markets. For commercial clients, ORCAUBOAT offers a range of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for waterway maintenance, including the SMURF series for cleaning and water quality monitoring, and specialized craft for mowing aquatic plants. These sanitation vessels have demonstrated efficiency gains of three to five times that of manual work while reducing operating costs by over 40%. Key B2B clients include major industry players like COSCO Shipping, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, and MSC. For the consumer market, the company produces intelligent pleasure boats and electric yachts, which are deployed in scenic areas for sightseeing and recreation. Since its inception, ORCAUBOAT has secured significant funding from a diverse group of investors. Early backers included academic-led funds from institutions like HKUST and Turing Award laureate Andrew Chi-Chih Yao. Subsequent funding rounds, including a Series C in July 2026, have brought in capital from firms such as Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, Xi'an High-Tech Venture Capital, and Oriza Puhua, with total funding in 2026 reaching nearly 300 million yuan. The company has achieved profitability through scaled delivery and a business model that combines hardware sales with software integration. With a fleet of over 1,000 unmanned vessels operating in more than 13 countries and having logged over 2 million kilometers of autonomous navigation, the firm is addressing the growing labor gap in the maritime industry and expanding its global footprint.