Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group have successfully demonstrated autonomous teaming between uncrewed surface vessels off Portsmouth. Two Hivemind-enabled K3 SCOUT vessels coordinated an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission without individual operator control.
Coordinated ISR Mission
Hivemind, Shield AI’s mission autonomy software, directed both vessels to search a designated area using onboard radar, cameras and Automatic Identification System data. After detecting and classifying a vessel of interest, the system instructed the USVs to track and escort the contact before dynamically replanning the mission and resuming search operations.
The trial demonstrated that multiple autonomous vessels can function as a coordinated team rather than as independent assets, sharing sensor data and adapting to changing conditions while maintaining human decision authority.
Addressing Maritime Blind Spots
“Maritime operators today face vast blind spots at sea and more data than any watch stander can sift through in real time,” commented Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI. He added that Hivemind “pushes operator intent directly into an autonomous USV team,” helping crews prioritise contacts without adding to their workload.
Kraken CEO and Founder Mal Crease said the integration validates K3 SCOUT’s modular design, calling the partnership “a powerful force multiplier in the transition to a hybrid fleet.”
Expanding Beyond Aviation
The demonstration marks Shield AI’s first maritime autonomy trial in the UK, extending Hivemind’s application beyond aviation. Unlike conventional autopilots, the system can dynamically reroute plans and respond to unexpected conditions in real time.
Kraken’s K3 SCOUT measures 8.4 metres, reaches speeds of 55 knots and carries a 600 kg payload. The company recently delivered 20 units to the Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE. The two firms plan further joint trials with UK and NATO partners in contested environments over the coming year, as per a recent press statement.
Learn more on Shield AI’s website
