HD Hyundai has showcased its unmanned surface vessel autonomous navigation technology for the first time in the United States. Following a joint demonstration with American artificial intelligence defense firm Anduril, the company is set to target the global unmanned surface vessel market.
On October 19, HD Hyundai announced that it held a joint demonstration of unmanned surface vessel autonomous navigation with Anduril off the coast of Long Beach, California. The event was attended by over 40 officials from both countries, including Jang Kwang-pil, Vice President and Head of the Future Technology Research Institute at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, as well as representatives from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and the South Korean Navy and Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
During the approximately three-and-a-half-hour demonstration, various maritime scenarios were simulated, including autonomous navigation, mission changes, formation sailing, and emergency measures in case of engine failure. The demonstration was broadcast live from a land-based control center.
A modified 368-ton unmanned surface vessel previously operated by the U.S. Navy was utilized for the demonstration. This vessel was equipped with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering's in-house developed integrated vessel autonomy solution 'VAone' and Anduril's mission autonomy solution 'Lattice.'
VAone is based on 'HiNAS Prime,' developed by Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai specializing in autonomous navigation. In addition to autonomous navigation capabilities, it integrates a system for real-time monitoring of the vessel's engine status, an autonomous system for responding to anomalies, and a damage detection and response solution.
The two companies validated the navigation and mission execution capabilities of the unmanned surface vessel, as well as its response to engine anomalies, through this demonstration. Based on the results, HD Hyundai plans to advance its technology and participate in the global unmanned surface vessel market, including in the United States.
Jang Kwang-pil stated, "This demonstration was significant as it confirmed the unmanned surface vessel's ability to perform complex missions in various real-world scenarios that may arise after departure. We will continue to focus on technology development and enhancement to secure a leading position in the unmanned surface vessel market."
In April of last year, HD Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with Anduril for the development and market entry of unmanned surface vessels, followed by a contract for the design and construction of autonomous unmanned surface vessels in November. Currently, a prototype vessel is being constructed at the Ulsan shipyard, with plans for it to be launched as early as next month for trial operations off the U.S. coast.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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