The exploration team is comprised of representatives from eight government, private sector and academic organisations, including JAMSTEC, the University of Tokyo and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co.
The new robot is one of two that will be used in the competition’s final round.
The 5.6-metre-long, 1-metre-wide, 2.3-tonne cylindrical robot will map the topography of the ocean floor using sound waves. It can move autonomously at speeds of up to 8kph for more than a day, according to the team.
In the competition, which is organised by the US-based XPRIZE Foundation, teams aim to map an area of the seabed of at least 250 square kilometres at a depth of at least 4,000 metres within 24 hours.
Eight teams from Japan, the United States and Europe will compete in the final for a grand prize of $7 million (Bt227 million).