Articles tagged with "autonomous-vessels"
US Navy wants warships that move faster, hit harder, and stay small
The US Navy is advancing plans to develop a new class of smaller, more agile combat ships known as the FF(X) frigates, intended to address critical shortfalls in surface combatant capacity. Announced by Navy Secretary John Phelan, the first FF(X) hull is slated for launch in 2028. These frigates will be based on the proven US Coast Guard Legend-class National Security Cutter design, built by Huntington Ingalls Industries, aiming to reduce cost and schedule risks that have historically plagued Navy shipbuilding programs. The FF(X) ships are envisioned as flexible, multi-mission platforms capable of surface warfare, modular payload transport, and operating unmanned systems, complementing larger vessels like guided-missile destroyers. Navy leaders emphasize that the FF(X) program seeks to break the cycle of delays and cost overruns by leveraging an existing, mature design already operational within the fleet. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle highlighted the urgent need for more capable small
robotunmanned-systemsnaval-technologydefense-technologyshipbuildingmilitary-roboticsautonomous-vesselsSkana's new AI lets underwater robots talk securely over long distance
Skana Robotics, an Israeli startup founded in 2024, has developed an AI-driven communication system that enables underwater autonomous vessels to securely exchange data over long distances without surfacing, addressing a critical challenge in maritime operations. Traditionally, underwater robots rely on surfacing to communicate due to the poor transmission of radio waves underwater and the limitations of acoustic signals, which exposes them to detection and risk. Skana’s solution, integrated into its SeaSphere fleet management platform, allows fleets of autonomous vessels to share information, interpret it, and coordinate actions in near real-time, enhancing operational security and responsiveness in both military and civilian maritime contexts. The AI system, led by Professor Teddy Lazebnik, deliberately avoids trendy large language models or deep learning approaches in favor of mathematically grounded, explainable algorithms that prioritize predictability and reliability over flashy performance. This design choice is crucial for defense and safety-critical missions where understanding autonomous behavior is essential. Skana’s technology supports coordinated decision-making among vessels without human intervention, enabling
underwater-robotsautonomous-vesselsAI-communicationmaritime-securityrobotic-submersiblesfleet-managementunderwater-communicationSkana Robotics helps fleets of underwater robots communicate with each other
Skana Robotics, a Tel Aviv-based startup founded in 2024, has developed an innovative AI-driven communication system for fleets of underwater autonomous vessels. Their fleet management software, SeaSphere, enables submersibles to communicate and share data over long distances underwater without surfacing, thereby avoiding exposure risks. This system allows individual vessels to autonomously adapt their behavior and coordinate tasks in real time while pursuing a common mission. The technology also has applications in securing underwater infrastructure and supply chains, addressing a critical challenge in multi-vessel, multi-domain operations. The AI algorithms powering this capability are based on older, mathematically driven models rather than the latest, less predictable large language models. According to AI scientist Teddy Lazebnik, this approach prioritizes explainability, predictability, and generality over raw performance, which is crucial for reliable decision-making in complex underwater environments. Skana is currently targeting government and European maritime sectors, driven by increased security concerns amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The company is in
roboticsunderwater-robotsAI-communicationautonomous-vesselsfleet-managementmaritime-technologydefense-technologyHavocAI obtains $85M to scale autonomous marine systems - The Robot Report
HavocAI Inc., a Providence, Rhode Island-based startup founded in 2024, has secured $85 million in new funding to scale its autonomous marine platforms, bringing its total funding to nearly $100 million. The company specializes in developing autonomous vessels with a “software-first” strategy, aiming to create self-organizing fleets that can be managed by a single operator. HavocAI currently produces four vessel models ranging from 14 to 100 feet, including the multi-mission 100-ft Atlas vessel, and has delivered over 30 operational products to the U.S. military. The company has demonstrated scalable collaborative autonomy in real-world scenarios with the Navy and Army and has partnerships with major industry players such as Lockheed Martin and Metal Shark. The new capital will support several strategic initiatives: integrating autonomy into new vessel types to enhance capability and interoperability, expanding manufacturing capacity to meet the U.S. military’s demand for thousands of autonomous boats, and extending operations to support international allies, particularly in the
robotautonomous-vesselsmarine-roboticsmilitary-technologyHavocAImaritime-autonomyautonomous-systemsFormer Google CEO Will Fund Boat Drones to Explore Rough Antarctic Waters
A foundation established by the former Google CEO is funding a five-year project deploying four uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), or drone boats, to explore the challenging waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. This region plays a critical role as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, absorbing a significant portion of ocean-based carbon dioxide, yet it remains poorly understood due to extreme weather conditions, rough seas, and limited scientific data. The Southern Ocean’s harsh environment, especially in the Drake Passage, makes traditional crewed research difficult, and satellite observations are hindered by persistent cloud cover. The USVs will operate remotely, continuously collecting sophisticated measurements of the partial pressure of CO2 in the water, providing deeper insight into the ocean carbon cycle than previous unmanned efforts. Using machine learning, the drones’ routes will be dynamically adjusted to optimize data collection in areas beyond commercial shipping lanes, including during the winter months when data is especially scarce. The collected data will be publicly available, aiming to improve climate models
robotdroneautonomous-vesselsocean-explorationenvironmental-monitoringclimate-scienceremote-sensingLeaked details reveal China's uncrewed vessel with stealth design
Leaked information and images from rehearsals for China’s upcoming Victory Day military parade reveal a new unmanned surface vessel featuring advanced stealth design elements. The drone boat, painted in the Chinese navy’s white-grey-blue camouflage and lacking visible hull numbers, incorporates concealed antennas and radar to minimize infrared, visual, and acoustic detection. Its angular, faceted hull suggests an emphasis on low observability, although it remains unclear if radar-absorbent materials are used. Notably, the vessel includes cockpit windows, indicating it can be operated both autonomously and by a crew, enhancing its versatility for surveillance, patrol, and potentially combat missions. The craft is sizable—estimated at over 15 meters (49 feet) long—capable of housing sophisticated equipment or personnel. This new uncrewed surface vehicle contrasts with China’s previously unveiled larger stealth drone, the “Killer Whale,” a 500-tonne trimaran with high speed and long range, designed as a multi-role combat platform. The appearance
robotautonomous-vesselsstealth-technologyunmanned-surface-vehiclenaval-dronesmilitary-roboticsdrone-boatSecretly developed Needlefish set to advance autonomous sea defense
Ocean Infinity has officially launched the Needlefish, a high-speed autonomous Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), marking its entry into autonomous maritime patrol technology. Revealed at an event in Kuwait alongside the Kuwaiti Coast Guard (KCG), the Needlefish is a 46-foot catamaran jet boat capable of speeds up to 40 knots, equipped with specialized maritime surveillance sensors. Kuwait has purchased two vessels and twin remote control stations as part of a significant upgrade to its national security, integrating the Needlefish into a new maritime surveillance system covering 11,000 square kilometers of territorial waters. These vessels will be operated from newly established onshore Command Centers. The Needlefish is not a standalone system but a critical component of a comprehensive maritime surveillance network developed by SRT Marine Systems. It is fully integrated within the SRT C5iSR maritime surveillance system, which provides a broad security overview by leveraging Ocean Infinity’s advanced robotics, software, and marine intelligence technology. Ocean Infinity’s extensive experience operating
robotautonomous-vesselsmaritime-surveillanceunmanned-surface-vesselsmarine-roboticsIoTdefense-technologyUK firm debuts world’s longest-range drone ship with 8,500-mile reach
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vesselshybrid-propulsionmaritime-technologyunmanned-systems