These numbers are straightforward enough. Deploy a robotic pool cleaner to the bottom of ships to reduce drag, and save huge amounts of fuel.

A recent trial between the NRMA and the Rozelle-based hull-cleaning robot manufacturer revealed a 13 per cent fuel reduction on the diesel-powered NRMA Manly Fast Ferry fleet.

Using its arsenal of 4K cameras (mounted on the top, front and rear), dedicated lighting, sensors and propellers, the Hullbot successfully replaced the role of human divers during the trial to deliver a more regular, time-efficient hull cleaning maintenance.

Doing so reduced the amount of underwater drag created by biofouling (the accumulation of marine growth on ship hulls), which in turn made the circa 24-metre long vessels more efficient through the water.

Furthermore, the AI-powered robots performed critical cleaning duties on the hull exteriors that eliminated the need for antifouling paints.

The buried lede is the reduction in deadly paints. Antifouling is another word for toxicity, because the “fouling” stuff is being killed. These robots reduce a need to pollute, saving even more money on both paint and cleanup from the paint effects.

No wonder Hullbot just raised over $10M in a series A.