Deeplore, a DJI-affiliated AI nature exploration company, secures seed funding from Legend Capital and Shunwei Capital 硬氪首发 | 大疆系AI自然探索公司获五源、顺为投资，首创水下光学系统

TL;DR

• Deeplore, a startup founded by former DJI engineers, secured seed funding from Vertex Ventures and Xiaomi Ventures to develop AI-driven underwater exploration technology.
• The company introduces an industry-first native underwater optical system where lenses directly contact water, bypassing traditional waterproof housing limitations to improve image quality and field of view.
• Core product features include an underwater HUD for hands-free data display and on-device AI for real-time marine life identification and automated recording.
• The team leverages deep expertise in consumer electronics manufacturing, global supply chain management, and overseas retail channels to target the high-value, underserved diving market.
• Long-term strategy involves expanding from underwater gear to a comprehensive "AI natural exploration platform" covering other outdoor activities like hiking and mountaineering.

Why It Matters

This development signals a significant shift in the underwater tech sector, moving from passive recording devices to active, intelligent exploration tools that enhance user safety and engagement through augmented reality and AI. For the broader AI hardware industry, it demonstrates the successful application of mature consumer electronics engineering principles—specifically from the drone and robotics sectors—to niche, physically demanding environments, creating a new category of "smart outdoor wearables."

Technical Details

• Native Underwater Optical System: Unlike conventional setups using cameras inside waterproof housings, Deeplore’s design allows the lens to directly interface with water. This native multi-medium optical design addresses common issues such as reduced resolution, limited field of view (FOV), and severe chromatic aberration (color dispersion) underwater.
• Underwater HUD (Heads-Up Display): Integrates augmented reality capabilities to project critical diving data (e.g., depth, time, navigation) directly into the user's line of sight, eliminating the need to check separate dive computers and improving situational awareness.
• On-Device AI Marine Bio-Recognition: Utilizes edge computing for real-time identification of marine species. This feature automatically triggers recording when interesting subjects are detected, enhancing the user experience by preserving key moments without manual intervention.
• Hardware Engineering & Manufacturing: The team applies rigorous reliability control and mass production methodologies derived from their background in the DJI ecosystem, ensuring products can withstand extreme underwater pressures and environmental conditions.

Industry Insight

• Convergence of Drone Tech and Niche Sports: The success of ex-DJI teams in this space suggests a trend where advanced robotics and aerial imaging expertise will increasingly be adapted for terrestrial and aquatic sports, driving innovation in ruggedized, smart wearable hardware.
• Market Opportunity in Underserved Verticals: The diving industry remains largely fragmented and low-tech compared to aerial drones. Companies that can bring consumer-grade usability, aesthetic design, and intelligent features to this market have a first-mover advantage in capturing a loyal, high-spending demographic.
• Platform Potential Beyond Hardware: By starting with a specific hardware entry point (goggles) and building a software/AI layer, startups can evolve into broader platforms. This "hardware-as-a-service" or ecosystem approach allows for cross-selling into adjacent outdoor markets, increasing customer lifetime value and brand stickiness.