HII and Shield AI have announced the completion of a joint dual-autonomy integration test aboard the ROMULUS 20 unmanned surface vessel, demonstrating interoperability between two advanced autonomy systems. The three-day trial, revealed during the Indo Pacific International Maritime Expo, marked the first maritime use of Shield AI’s Hivemind software, which was integrated alongside HII’s Odyssey autonomy framework. The test showcased how the two technologies can jointly manage mission execution, navigation, and onboard decision-making without direct human control. Shield AI’s Hivemind, previously proven on aerial platforms, provides autonomous mission control and adaptive decision-making based on real-time conditions. When integrated with HII’s Odyssey suite—responsible for vessel control, communication, and data fusion—the systems created a synchronized autonomous operating environment. The trial verified that both could share data and make collective navigation and mission choices. HII said the successful integration supports its broader goal of enabling collaborative autonomy across its unmanned surface and underwater platforms. Shield AI emphasized that the test extends its core autonomy software into new operational domains, highlighting its potential for fleet-wide applications. The demonstration also underscores growing defense interest in scalable autonomous systems for persistent maritime surveillance, mine countermeasures, and logistics missions. The successful trial is expected to guide further testing, potentially leading to expanded trials under US Navy unmanned systems programs and future operational deployments.
