A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
A recent court ruling determined that the Navy exhibited 'disparate treatment' in its evaluation of Saildrone's MUSV proposal. This finding highlights potential biases in the Navy's procurement processes, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in defense contracting. The ruling may prompt...
Northrop Grumman has developed an advanced navigation system specifically designed for US Navy ships and submarines. This new system is expected to enhance operational capabilities and improve the safety and efficiency of naval missions. The integration of this technology is crucial as the Navy cont...
Advanced Acoustic Concepts, a subsidiary of Thales Group, has secured a $53.9 million contract with the US Navy to deliver at least two remote mine hunting modules. This initiative aims to enhance sailor safety during mine tracking operations, which are crucial for maritime security and naval missio...
The US Navy is evaluating the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone as a potential force multiplier for maritime patrol operations. This drone, capable of taking off and landing on water, features an open architecture that allows for the integration of new sensors and effectors, enhancing its operational flexibil...
The Navy has launched the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) to develop tactics and procedures for unmanned systems. Headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia, RASWDC aims to unify efforts across the Navy to enhance operational...
The US Navy has successfully showcased a robotic system capable of capturing, refueling, and releasing an unmanned surface vessel (USV) at sea. This demonstration, led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, took place off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, and inv...
Marotta Controls, a US aerospace and defense contractor, has secured contracts to provide technology for two subsystems of the US Navy’s Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NGJ-LB) program. Announced on September 2, the contracts involve a subcontract with CFD Research Corporation for a ram-air turbine...
The Navy has announced the creation of a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS) as part of a leadership restructuring. Chris Miller, currently leading the portfolio acquisition executive Maritime office, will take on the role of acting DRPM RAS, reportin...
Blue Water Autonomy has been awarded a multiple-award contract by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) to conduct high-resolution ocean floor mapping using its autonomous vessels. This contract, which has a ceiling of $40 million, allows Blue Water Autonomy to leverage its technology for deep...
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...
The U.S. Navy confirmed that its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) participated in a live-fire training exercise during RIMPAC 2026, targeting the ex-USS Peleliu. This marked the first operational use of kamikaze drone boats in a combat scenario, showcasing the Navy's advancements in unm...
Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone have initiated legal action against the U.S. Navy, asserting that their submissions met the requirements for the new MUSV marketplace. The lawsuits highlight the companies' contention that their proposals were compliant with the Navy's specifications, which is cruci...
ZeroUSV recently showcased its Oceanus12 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the Royal Danish Navy in a demonstration held two hours northwest of Copenhagen, Denmark. This event was part of a competitive selection process by Danish Defence, aimed at evaluating the capabilities of the Oceanus12 USV over...
Kongsberg Maritime has introduced the Arctic Hunter, a fully uncrewed surface vessel designed to meet the Royal Navy's Type 92 requirement for anti-submarine warfare. This vessel, based on a robust fishing trawler, aims to enhance underwater surveillance capabilities in the North Atlantic and Arctic...
The US Navy has decided to cease new orders for the drone speedboat developed by Aevex Corp's BlackSea division, following significant performance concerns. This decision comes after the Navy has already invested over $130 million in the technology, indicating a substantial commitment to the program...
The US Navy successfully established a remote control link with an MQ-25A Stingray unmanned refueling aircraft from the USS Ronald Reagan, located over 2,100 miles away. This milestone demonstrates the Navy's commitment to integrating drones into carrier operations, utilizing a satellite network for...
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...
The USS Ohio has been fitted with the DRAKE jammer, enhancing its capability to detect and disrupt drones when surfacing. This advancement underscores the U.S. Navy's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations. The implementation of the DRAKE jammer is significant as it a...
The US Navy has officially retired its traditional minesweepers, opting instead for remote and robotic methods for mine-neutralization. This shift marks a significant change in naval operations, emphasizing the integration of advanced technology in maritime safety. The transition to robotic mine-ne...
The Navy has announced plans to purchase 30 medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) from Galliano Marine Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Saronic Technologies. This decision follows successful at-sea testing and is part of the Navy's new MUSV marketplace initiative. Each MUSV is estimate...
The U.S. Navy has launched the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) on September 24, aimed at integrating robotic and autonomous systems into naval operations. Led by Rear Admiral Melvin Smith, the center is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-For...
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...
The Navy is advancing its find, fix, and finish kill chain through the implementation of remote mine hunting technologies. This innovative approach leverages autonomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced sonar systems to effectively locate and neutralize underwater mines, significantly improving o...
The U.S. Navy has lost a Dive-LD uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) to Iran, which claims to have retrieved it intact near the Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks the first known operational deployment of the Dive-LD, a relatively new capability for the Navy that began service over a year ago. The...
HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the US, is targeting a 15% increase in shipyard throughput this year to expedite deliveries to the US Navy. The strategy involves workforce expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced use of technology, particularly physical AI, in shipbuilding operation...
The U.S. Navy has updated its requirements for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, indicating a shift towards advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs). This change suggests the Navy is seeking capabilities similar to those explored in the X-47B and UCLASS programs, which were previ...
Continuous Composites has been awarded a Phase II SBIR contract by the U.S. Navy to develop composite aircraft components that integrate electrical power conductors within their structures. This innovative approach aims to reduce the reliance on traditional wiring and connectors in unmanned aerial v...
HII announced that its autonomous Watcher small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV), based on the ROMULUS-25, has successfully passed a critical test recognized by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This achievement marks the completion of the Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (P...
Recent reports indicate that Chinese-made components in the cameras of the U.K. Royal Navy's Kraken Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) were transmitting data to a device in China. The U.K. Ministry of Defense confirmed the issue, which arose during a routine cyber vulnerability assessment, prompting th...
Recent satellite imagery reveals that the Russian Navy has begun using nets to shield submarines from drone attacks at its strategic base in Kamchatka. This development highlights Russia's growing concerns about drone threats, extending to critical facilities beyond the Ukraine conflict. Additionall...
The U.S. Navy has renewed its task order for Saildrone, extending the deployment of Voyager unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions. This extension aims to enhance maritime surveillance and counter-drug operations in these critical areas. The significance of th...
The Royal Navy is conducting trials of a robotic boat designed to autonomously launch and recover drones at sea, enhancing uncrewed maritime surveillance capabilities. This initiative, in collaboration with ACUA Ocean and Teledyne FLIR Defense, aims to improve persistent aerial reconnaissance while...
The U.S. Navy is planning to develop carrier-based uncrewed aircraft capable of striking enemy targets at least 1,000 nautical miles away without mid-air refueling. This initiative is part of a broader request for information (RFI) issued by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) regarding the Air Wing...
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $10 million contract to Ursa Major to enhance the Mk 104 solid rocket motor through critical design review and static-fire testing. This initiative is part of the Navy's ongoing efforts to expand U.S. missile propulsion manufacturing capabilities. This contract builds on...
Boeing announced that the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray has successfully completed its second test flight, marking significant progress in the development of the Navy's unmanned refueling aircraft. This flight confirmed the drone's flight controls and performance, moving closer to its intended carrier...
The US Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education is set to showcase mobile 3D printing capabilities during the Rim of the Pacific 2026 exercise. This initiative will involve deploying advanced manufacturing systems on ships and locations throughout Hawa...
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the Navy from renaming the future USS Doris Miller after President Donald Trump. Doris Miller, a Black World War II hero, served aboard the USS West Virginia and became the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cros...
The USS Mustin, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, has been equipped with the Mk 38 Mod 4 Gun Weapon System, which integrates a .50 caliber machine gun atop a 30mm chain gun. This innovative system enhances the ship's firepower and capabilities, particularly in countering drone threats. This upgrade...
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...
The U.S. Navy's Exercise Lanternfish 26 showcased the capabilities of ThayerMahan's ShorePicket and Outpost systems in detecting unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These systems successfully tracked UUVs ranging from six inches to extra-large sizes, highlighting the importance of distributed acous...
Greensea Systems, Inc., operating as Greensea IQ, has secured an $18.15 million Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to deliver hardware, software, and engineering technical services. This contract, awarded for an undisclosed duration, focuses on the development of underwater cont...
Ocius Technology has achieved a significant milestone in the Royal Australian Navy's $176 million Bluebottle Program with the ceremonial christening of the first uncrewed surface vessel (USV) hull. This event, which took place following the contract announcement in March, marks the initial delivery...
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking laser system capable of transmitting data at unprecedented speeds. This innovative technology was showcased during a recent test conducted at the laboratory's facilities in Washington, D.C. The demonstration high...
Bayou Metals, a key manufacturing partner of defense shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), has announced the establishment of a new facility aimed at enhancing its production capabilities. This development, which took place in early October 2023, is located in the Gulf Coast region, a str...
The recent deployment of a sea drone to rescue two U.S. Army aviators, reportedly downed by Iranian forces, highlights the increasing significance of unmanned vessels in the United States' naval strategies. Analysts noted that this incident, which took place on Wednesday, reflects a shift in militar...
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...
GE Aerospace has announced a significant contract to supply propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy's next-generation aircraft. This order, which underscores the company's commitment to advancing military aviation technology, was finalized recently and marks a pivotal step in enhancing the Navy's opera...
Congress is advocating for the development of a containerized version of HELIOS, the Navy's advanced laser system capable of disabling drones from an active warship. This initiative aims to enhance the deployment flexibility of the HELIOS laser, which is currently the only system of its kind in oper...
The Department of the Navy has announced the selection of seven companies to proceed to the at-sea testing phase for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) marketplace. This decision, made public today, marks a significant step in the development of advanced maritime technologies aimed at enhanci...
The US Navy has approved seven submissions for medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance maritime capabilities. This decision, announced recently, marks a significant step in the Navy's initiative to integrate advanced unmanned technologies into its fleet. The...
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