Shield AI, a defense technology company developing AI pilots and autonomous systems, and Kraken Technology Group, an autonomous maritime technology company, have demonstrated autonomous teaming between Kraken’s modular K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and Shield AI’s Hivemind mission autonomy software.
The joint demonstration in Portsmouth showcased two Hivemind-enabled K3 SCOUTs operating as an autonomous team, coordinating an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission.
During the demonstration, Hivemind autonomously coordinated the search of a designated area by two vessels using onboard radar, cameras, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. After detecting and classifying a vessel of interest located in the search area, Hivemind directed the USVs to collaboratively track and escort the contact from the operating area before dynamically replanning the mission and resuming search operations.
The demonstration showed how multiple autonomous vessels can operate as a coordinated team to perform complex missions rather than as independent assets.
“This collaboration with Kraken demonstrates how Hivemind enables autonomous maritime teams to operate as part of a larger, distributed force,” said Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI.
“Maritime operators today face vast blind spots at sea and more data than any watch stander can sift through in real time. Hivemind pushes operator intent directly into an autonomous USV team, helping systems prioritise contacts of interest, adapt to changing conditions, and execute missions alongside the crew instead of adding to their cognitive load."
“K3 SCOUT was designed to be a fully modular and interoperable capability; the successful integration of Hivemind onto K3 SCOUT further validates our technology. Integrating Kraken’s platforms with proven autonomy creates a powerful force multiplier in the transition to a hybrid fleet,” said Mal Crease, CEO and Founder of Kraken.
The demonstration highlights how autonomous systems can collaborate across vehicles to create a common operational picture and execute missions with greater speed, scale, and effectiveness than individual assets operating independently.
Instead of requiring one operator for each vessel and additional personnel to manage onboard sensors, Hivemind enables multiple autonomous platforms to share sensor data, adapt to changing conditions, and execute complex missions together while maintaining human decision authority, according to Shield AI.
Kraken’s K3 SCOUT is a high-performance, high-speed, and scalable USV. K3 SCOUT’s modular architecture means the vessel can be purposed or re-rolled for a variety of missions, including logistics, search and rescue, survey, ISR, strike or kinetic capabilities.
The USV measures 8.4 meters in length, can reach speeds of up to 55 knots, and can carry a 600 kg payload. K3 SCOUT is fully interoperable and can integrate a range of capabilities due to its modular design. Kraken recently delivered 20 K3 SCOUTs in a matter of months to the Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE.