A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
WaiV Robotics has successfully conducted a series of open-sea demonstrations showcasing its autonomous drone launch and recovery system. Notably, the company achieved the first-ever autonomous maritime takeoff and landing at night, marking a significant milestone in maritime technology. This achiev...
The U.S. Navy has successfully tested a drone landing on moving ships without relying on GPS or human pilots. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) showcased this capability using onboard cameras, motion sensors, and advanced software, marking a significant advancement in drone tec...
Barzan Holdings, the state-owned defense company of Qatar, unveiled over a dozen new defense platforms at the Milipol 2026 exhibition in Doha. These include first-person-view (FPV) drones, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and electronic warfare...
Saab UK and Kraken have announced the development of an experimental autonomous 'drone seeker' vessel aimed at enhancing maritime security against aerial threats. This prototype integrates Saab's Giraffe 1X radar with Kraken's K3 Scout platform, creating a counter-UAS system that can operate indepen...
Amazon's Prime Air drone service recently delivered a package into a customer's pool in Texas, highlighting potential issues with delivery locations. As the service expands to 500 cities across the U.S., incidents of drones dropping packages into water bodies raise concerns about delivery accuracy a...
Kratos has initiated production of its XQ-58 Valkyrie drones equipped with landing gear, alongside ongoing production of rocket-assisted takeoff variants. The U.S. Marine Corps is acquiring these landing gear-equipped drones for its MUX TACAIR program, highlighting the Valkyrie's strategic importanc...
Elistair has partnered with Exail to integrate its Khronos DroneBox with Exail's DriX unmanned surface vessel, enabling tethered drone maritime surveillance. This collaboration allows operators to maintain a persistent aerial view from shore, enhancing capabilities for naval, coast guard, and port s...
China has introduced the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the world's first catapult-capable drone carrier, successfully demonstrating the takeoff and landing of the GJ-21 stealth drone. This advancement marks a significant shift in the operational capabilities of amphibious assault ships, integrat...
EOS Defense Systems USA is advancing its Slinger counter-drone system, integrating upgraded sensors and selectable autonomy. This next-generation system combines a 30mm cannon, targeting radar, and advanced stabilization, nearing the end of its development phase. Production is set to begin in Huntsv...
The Navy has revealed plans to procure 30 new drone ships, allocating 10 units each to Galliano Marine Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Saronic Technologies under its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the Navy's efforts to d...
The Ukrainian Navy has reported that its uncrewed surface vessel (USV) successfully sank a Russian USV, marking a historic first in naval warfare between unmanned boats. This engagement highlights the increasing effectiveness of Ukraine's combat drone boats against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, promptin...
German company Mehler Protection is preparing to introduce its new ship-mounted counter-drone system, SCILT NAVAL, at SMM 2026. This system is specifically designed to protect naval vessels from threats posed by FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other unmanned aircraft that can bypass conventiona...
The US Army is currently testing a new tethered drone designed to resist jamming and achieve flight durations of up to 50 hours without landing. This advancement represents a significant step in enhancing the Army's capabilities in unmanned aerial systems. The development of this drone is crucial a...
Ukraine has introduced the MV11, the largest member of its Magura family of uncrewed surface vessels (USV), designed for open-ocean operations. This vessel can carry payloads up to 4,850 pounds and has been showcased with 18 Sting interceptors, enhancing its role as a counter-drone platform. The MV...
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone successfully demonstrated missile launches from an unmanned surface vessel during the RIMPAC 2026 exercise near Hawaii. This integration of Lockheed Martin’s Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) Dual Launcher and Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES) on a Surveyor-class...
Researchers at Canada’s Université de Sherbrooke have developed the Ice Dart, a multirotor drone designed to land on steep, slippery ice using retractable claws inspired by cats. This innovative landing gear allows the drone to maintain stability on slopes of up to 60 degrees and withstand winds exc...
Researchers in Canada have developed the Ice Dart drone, capable of landing on steep, slippery surfaces like icebergs. This drone can grip icy slopes of nearly 60 degrees, making it a valuable tool for monitoring Arctic environments. The Ice Dart's unique landing gear absorbs impact and utilizes ret...
Firestorm Labs successfully manufactured over 1,000 components and assembled 12 Squall drones aboard the USS Essex during a two-week trial. This operation took place while the US Navy warship was en route from San Diego to Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026, showcasing the potential for on-site production of mi...
A drone attack reportedly targeted a U.S. floating storage and regasification vessel at an Egyptian port, igniting a fire that spread to a Greek-owned LNG tanker. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of maritime assets in conflict zones, raising concerns over security measures in critical sh...
Saronic has announced plans to construct a new shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, with an investment exceeding $3 billion. This facility, named Port Alpha, will be capable of building crewed and uncrewed vessels up to 850 feet long, significantly expanding the company's current capabilities, which incl...
A new shipyard named Port Alpha is set to be established by a drone boat startup in Texas. This facility will have the capacity to manufacture ships measuring up to 1,200 feet in length. The development of Port Alpha is significant as it represents a major investment in maritime manufacturing capab...
Colonel Chris P. Niedziocha, who led the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during its recent Middle East deployment, emphasized the need for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in future operations. He noted that the Marines are currently lagging in operationalizing USVs, which are crucial for reconnaissan...
The US Navy has awarded a $10 million contract to Saildrone to utilize autonomous vessels for mapping the Atlantic Ocean floor. This initiative, assigned by the Naval Oceanographic Office, is set to commence in 2026 and will continue through most of 2027, enhancing military knowledge of critical und...
Onomichi Dockyard, a Japanese shipbuilder, has announced plans to start constructing uncrewed surface vessels. The company aims to supply these vessels to Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, marking a significant step into dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military pu...
Ukraine executed a significant uncrewed surface vessel (USV) attack on the Nefrit, a multipurpose offshore vessel, in Sochi, Russia. This operation marks the first known USV strike on the resort city, located approximately 350 miles from Ukrainian-held territory, highlighting the expanding reach of...
A Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vehicle (USV) assisted the U.S. Navy in tracking and intercepting a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the seizure of approximately $81 million worth of cocaine on October 16, 2025. This operation highlights the transition of autonomou...
An innovative autonomous surface vessel, the Ranger, has successfully completed its Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) in Germany, demonstrating its ability to be launched from a submarine's torpedo tube. Developed by Gabler and Flanq, the Ranger is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance...
On July 11, Ukraine reported that its aerial drones struck 28 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, part of an ongoing campaign that has targeted nearly 80 ships since July 6. This includes a significant number of oil tankers from Russia's shadow fleet, leading to a temporary halt in shipping through...
A cutting-edge radar system has been developed to enhance the detection of drones operating near ports, vessels, harbors, and other critical maritime areas. This innovative technology aims to bolster maritime security by providing real-time surveillance and threat assessment capabilities. The radar...
A U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel successfully conducted a rescue operation for two Army pilots whose AH-64 Apache helicopter had crashed. The incident occurred on a training mission off the coast of California on Tuesday. The unmanned vessel, equipped with advanced technology, was able to locate...
A new defense strategy is being implemented that features a network of small satellite ships equipped with various defensive systems. This innovative approach allows these ships to operate independently while remaining connected to a central mother ship, creating a disaggregated model of naval defen...
A young maritime technology company has made significant advancements in drone operations at sea, addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable conditions such as shifting decks and waves. Traditionally, these factors have made it difficult for even seasoned pilots to land drones safely, leading...
Saipem has secured a contract with T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa to provide the Hydrone-W remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). This advanced technology will be utilized on ISPRA's new oceanographic vessel, Arcadia. The collaboration aims to enhance marine research capabilities and environment...
Agilica BV, a company spun out from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, has successfully completed a feasibility study funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to create an innovative Alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system. This new technology aims to enhance precision dron...
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