HD Hyundai has unveiled, for the first time in the U.S., autonomous navigation technology for unmanned surface vessels co-developed with American AI defense company Anduril. The demonstration proved the vessel’s ability to independently determine routes and respond to unexpected situations, such as engine failures, without human intervention.
HD Hyundai announced on the 19th that it recently held a joint demonstration of the autonomous navigation technology for unmanned surface vessels with Anduril off the coast of Long Beach, California. This marks the first time a South Korean company has showcased unmanned surface vessel technology in the U.S. The demonstration utilized a modified 368t-class large unmanned surface test vessel previously operated by the U.S. Navy.
The vessel was equipped with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s proprietary integrated vessel autonomy solution ‘VAone’ and Anduril’s mission autonomy solution ‘Lattice.’ VAone, developed based on technology from Avikus—HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation subsidiary—combines autonomous navigation capabilities, real-time engine status monitoring with automatic responses to anomalies, and damage detection and mitigation systems. Anduril’s Lattice handles mission autonomy, including weapon system operations.
The approximately three-and-a-half-hour demonstration simulated various scenarios, including autonomous navigation, mission changes, formation sailing, and emergency responses to engine failures. The vessel’s sequential decision-making and response processes were monitored in real time from an onshore control center. Over 40 officials from both countries attended, including representatives from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, South Korean Navy, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
HD Hyundai and Anduril plan to leverage the demonstration’s results to target the global unmanned surface vessel market, including the U.S. Jang Kwang-pil, Head of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s Future Technology Research Institute (Executive Vice President), stated, “We have confirmed the vessel’s ability to perform complex missions in diverse real-world scenarios,” adding, “We will focus on technology development and advancement to secure a leading position in the market.”
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