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HII and Shield AI have announced the successful completion of the partnership’s first major test of their integrated autonomy solution aboard HII’s Romulus unmanned surface vessel.
The three-day test, conducted in late October in Virginia Beach, Virginia, integrated Shield AI’s combat-proven Hivemind autonomy software, using the Hivemind Enterprise software development kit (SDK), with HII’s Odyssey autonomy suite onboard a Romulus 20 USV.
The test also marked the first maritime deployment of Hivemind, which enables AI-powered mission autonomy across domains.
Both companies confirmed the test during the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition held in Sydney this week. During the expo, HII also confirmed that their Remus uncrewed underwater system could operate and be retrieved from Australia’s Collins Class submarine torpedo tubes if required. That system, which has had trials with the UK Royal Navy, is used for mine countermeasures, search and recovery, intelligence and reconnaissance.
“This collaboration between HII and Shield AI showcases how adaptable autonomy frameworks can accelerate development,” said Andy Green, HII mission technologies division president.
“Using the Hivemind Enterprise SDK, our teams integrated capabilities quickly and effectively. The successful deployment on Romulus 20 validates the power of this partnership and paves the way for even greater autonomy across the Romulus fleet.”
The Romulus modular, high-performance USV line is built on commercial-standard hulls for fast production and operational flexibility. The lead vessel, Romulus 190, is currently under construction.
Designed to exceed 25 knots and operate up to 2,500 nautical miles, Romulus 190 will carry four 40-foot ISO containers and feature both Odyssey and Hivemind for next-generation autonomous performance.
Hivemind enables unmanned systems to perform complex missions even in GPS- and communications-denied environments. Previously used in aerial operations, Hivemind is now expanding into the maritime domain through this partnership with HII, supporting rapid development and deployment of autonomous capabilities across domains.
Under this partnership, Hivemind and Odyssey will integrate into the Romulus fleet to operate alongside crewed strike groups and surface action groups, while also enabling multi-agent autonomy and intelligent operations.
“Delivering autonomy across domains is key to maintaining a credible deterrent posture in today’s complex geopolitical environment. Each integration strengthens Hivemind’s role as the leading autonomy solution for defence systems,” said Nathan Michael, Shield AI’s chief technology officer and head of the Hivemind business unit.
“Through close collaboration with HII and the shared use of Shield AI’s modular, open architecture SDK, we integrated advanced maritime capabilities in less than six weeks; work that typically takes months or years.
“We look forward to continuing to expand multi-domain autonomy together.”
