HD Hyundai, Anduril successfully test autonomous vessel technology in U.S.

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Co. said Monday it has successfully demonstrated autonomous vessel technology in the United States in partnership with U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries.

The two companies recently conducted a joint trial off the coast of Long Beach, California, marking the first demonstration of South Korean autonomous navigation technology in U.S. waters.

During the 3 1/2-hour trial, they demonstrated autonomous navigation, mission changes, coordinated fleet operations and emergency responses to system failures, with operations monitored in real time from shore-based control stations.

The demonstration used a modified 368-ton vessel previously operated by the U.S. Navy, equipped with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering's autonomous navigation platform, VAOne, and Anduril's Lattice software platform, which enables autonomous mission management and coordination.

The successful trial highlights HD Hyundai's efforts to expand into the U.S. defense market by integrating its shipbuilding expertise with Anduril's autonomous systems technology.

Separately, HD Hyundai and Anduril are jointly building an unmanned vessel at HD Hyundai's shipyard in Ulsan, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The vessel is scheduled to undergo sea trials off the U.S. coast next month.