Peugeot and Under The Pole Redesign Capsule II for 2026 Underwater Research Launch
Peugeot has partnered with Under The Pole to redesign Capsule II, a next-gen underwater habitat. The goal: improve marine research and long-duration underwater missions. The launch is scheduled for 2026.
Key Objectives of Capsule II
- Optimize interior and exterior layouts
- Enhance underwater ergonomics
- Use more durable, comfortable materials
- Integrate advanced communication systems
The team will build on insights from the original capsule to improve liveability and operational efficiency. Peugeot's automotive design expertise plays a critical role in this evolution.
Background: Who is Under The Pole?
Founded in 2008 by Ghislain Bardout and Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, Under The Pole is a French marine exploration program. The team conducts long-duration underwater observations with a focus on deep-sea ecosystems.
The current capsule enables missions of up to three days underwater. Feedback from scientists showed room for improvement in comfort, spatial layout, and technical systems.
Peugeot's Contribution to Underwater Research
Peugeot brings automotive expertise, particularly from the i-Cockpit design. The company’s role covers the following:
1. Interior Redesign
- More efficient use of space
- Mission-specific modularity
- Comfort-focused ergonomic zones
2. Material Selection
- Marine-grade fabrics
- Durable polymers for humidity and pressure
- Anti-corrosive surfaces
3. Technical Enhancements
- Updated digital interfaces
- Improved underwater communication links
- Lighting systems for confined, dark environments
Peugeot’s collaboration with the Stellantis Design Studio will help execute and refine these components before the final production phase.
Project Timeline
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Design Evaluation | May 2025 – Summer 2026 |
| Engineering and 3D Prototypes | Fall 2026 |
| Production and Testing | Late 2026 |
Educational Partnership with Under The Pole
Peugeot is now the official education partner of Under The Pole. This partnership covers:
- Joint development of ocean conservation content
- Educational school visits during missions
- Use of Peugeot electric vehicles to transport equipment and staff
Peugeot's EV fleet supports the educational caravan, enhancing mobility and reducing environmental impact.
How Capsule II Advances Marine Science
Capsule II will improve research in these areas:
- Real-time monitoring of ocean biodiversity
- Longer underwater data collection windows
- Human factor studies under extreme conditions
Improved living conditions will allow for extended stays, providing better continuity in research data collection.
Funding and Costs
Project investment is expected to exceed $3 million USD. This includes design, materials, transportation, and testing. Peugeot's role covers non-marine design, materials R&D, and integration of comfort features from the automotive domain.
Why This Matters
Both Peugeot and Under The Pole are leveraging existing skill sets to solve oceanic research challenges. Automotive-grade safety, ergonomic design, and smart systems are now moving underwater. That matters for scientists who spend up to 72 hours in confined, high-pressure conditions. It's about giving them a better tool to do better science.
Conclusion
The redesigned Capsule II will allow deeper, longer, and more efficient underwater exploration. Peugeot’s contribution extends beyond aesthetics—it's a real application of design thinking from the road to the ocean floor. Scheduled for a 2026 launch, Capsule II marks a significant upgrade in the future of marine observation.
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