The maritime industry’s march toward autonomy just took a giant leap forward. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and Shield AI have successfully tested their integrated autonomy solution aboard HII’s ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking a pivotal moment for AI-driven naval operations. This isn’t just another tech demo—it’s a full-scale integration of Shield AI’s combat-proven Hivemind autonomy software with HII’s Odyssey autonomy suite, and it’s already changing the game.
The three-day test, conducted in late October in Virginia Beach, Virginia, wasn’t just about proving the tech works—it was about proving it works fast. Less than six weeks after the partnership was announced, HII and Shield AI had Hivemind running on a ROMULUS 20 USV, demonstrating rapid adaptability and a level of collaboration that’s rare in defense tech. This isn’t just a win for the two companies—it’s a win for the entire maritime autonomy space.
ROMULUS, HII’s modular, high-performance USV line, is designed for speed, range, and operational flexibility. The lead vessel, ROMULUS 190, is currently under construction and is expected to exceed 25 knots with a range of 2,500 nautical miles. But what really sets it apart is its ability to carry four 40-foot ISO containers, making it a versatile platform for various missions. And now, with the integration of Hivemind and Odyssey, ROMULUS 190 is poised to become a next-gen autonomous powerhouse.
Hivemind, which has already proven itself in aerial operations, is now making waves in the maritime domain. Its ability to enable AI-powered mission autonomy in GPS- and communications-denied environments is a game-changer. This means unmanned systems can perform complex missions even when traditional navigation tools are compromised—a critical capability for modern naval operations.
Under this partnership, Hivemind and Odyssey will integrate into the ROMULUS fleet, allowing these USVs to operate seamlessly alongside crewed strike groups and surface action groups. But it’s not just about individual vessels—it’s about creating a network of intelligent, autonomous systems that can work together. This multi-agent autonomy is the future of naval operations, and HII and Shield AI are leading the charge.
“This milestone demonstrates the rapid adaptability and advanced capabilities of our combined technologies,” said a spokesperson from HII. “We’re not just integrating software—we’re building a new standard for autonomous maritime operations.”
Shield AI’s CEO, Brandon Tsai, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Hivemind’s expansion into the maritime domain is a testament to our commitment to multi-domain autonomy. This partnership with HII accelerates the development and deployment of autonomous capabilities that will redefine naval operations.”
The implications of this test are far-reaching. For the maritime industry, it’s a clear signal that AI-driven autonomy is no longer a distant dream—it’s here, and it’s ready for prime time. For defense contractors, it’s a call to action: adapt or fall behind. And for naval forces worldwide, it’s a glimpse into the future of autonomous operations, where unmanned systems work alongside crewed vessels to create a more agile, resilient, and intelligent fleet.
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about transformation. The maritime industry is on the cusp of a revolution, and HII and Shield AI are at the forefront. The question now isn’t whether autonomy will shape the future of naval operations, but how quickly the rest of the industry can keep up.