Shield AI & Kraken Demonstrate Autonomous Maritime Teaming

Defense technology company Shield AI and maritime firm Kraken Technology Group have successfully demonstrated autonomous maritime teaming by integrating Hivemind mission autonomy software onto high-performance K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessels.

During the joint demonstration in Portsmouth, U.K., two Hivemind-enabled K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) operated as a coordinated autonomous team to perform an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission. Using onboard radar, cameras, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Hivemind autonomously directed the vessels to search a designated operating area. Upon detecting and classifying a vessel of interest, the AI software commanded the USVs to collaboratively track and escort the contact out of the zone before dynamically replanning the mission and resuming search operations.

The demonstration highlighted how autonomous platforms can collaborate across vehicles to establish a common operational picture, executing tasks with greater speed, scale, and effectiveness than independent assets. Unlike traditional autopilots that are restricted to preplanned routes, Hivemind senses, decides, and acts independently within operator-defined parameters. The software enables multiple platforms to share sensor data, adapt to changing conditions, avoid obstacles, and execute complex tasks together while maintaining human decision authority, eliminating the need for dedicated operators and sensor managers for each craft.

“This collaboration with Kraken demonstrates how Hivemind enables autonomous maritime teams to operate as part of a larger, distributed force,” said Christian Gutierrez, senior vice president of Hivemind at Shield AI. “Maritime operators today face vast blind spots at sea and more data than any watch stander can sift through in real time. Hivemind pushes operator intent directly into an autonomous USV team, helping systems prioritise contacts of interest, adapt to changing conditions, and execute missions alongside the crew instead of adding to their cognitive load. Partnering with a scaling manufacturer like Kraken allows allied navies to field this capability on a platform today.”

Kraken’s K3 SCOUT is an 8.4-meter, high-speed modular USV capable of speeds up to 55 knots and carrying a 600 kg payload. Designed for full interoperability and mission flexibility, the platform can be configured for logistics, search and rescue, survey, ISR, strike, or kinetic roles. Kraken recently delivered 20 K3 SCOUT units to the Royal Navy in a matter of months under Project BEEHIVE.

“K3 SCOUT was designed to be a fully modular and interoperable capability; the successful integration of Hivemind onto K3 SCOUT further validates our technology. Integrating Kraken’s platforms with proven autonomy creates a powerful force multiplier in the transition to a hybrid fleet,” said Mal Crease, CEO and Founder of Kraken.

The trial marks Shield AI’s first maritime autonomy demonstration in the U.K., milestone expansion for Hivemind beyond aviation systems. Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group plan to continue their partnership over the coming year with further joint trials in contested environments involving U.K. and NATO partners.