During a U.S. naval test off the California coast last month aimed at showcasing the Pentagon’s autonomous drone boats, one vessel stalled due to a software glitch. In the same sequence, another drone vessel collided with the idling boat, vaulted over its deck, and crashed back into the water. Reuters obtained video footage of the incident.
The test, part of ongoing efforts to advance unmanned surface vehicle technology, underscores the technical and safety challenges involved in deploying autonomous vessels at sea. Officials have not released details on injuries or the full extent of the damage, but the footage highlights how quickly situations can escalate when multiple systems operate in tandem.
This event comes as the U.S. military continues to expand its use of autonomous ships and boats, emphasizing the need for robust software controls, fail-safes, and comprehensive testing before wide-scale deployment. Responders are likely to review the footage to inform improvements in software reliability, sensor fusion, and operational protocols for autonomous maritime assets.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the late-stage hurdles in integrating cutting-edge unmanned platforms into real-world operations, and it may spur further enhancements in testing regimes and safety measures to prevent similar glitches in future demonstrations. Positive takeaway: the Navy’s ongoing scrutiny and corrective steps could strengthen the reliability and safety of autonomous naval systems over time.
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