A Boston-based start-up, Blue Water Autonomy, founded in 2024 by four former U.S. Navy members and engineers from Amazon Robotics and iRobot, has emerged from stealth mode after raising $14 million. Its mission: develop autonomous, unmanned vessels, initially for the U.S. Navy, with broader ambitions for commercial maritime transport.
Currently testing a 100-ton prototype in the Atlantic, the company aims to position itself in the growing Defense Tech sector. With increasing geopolitical tensions—such as those in the Red Sea and around Taiwan—autonomous ships could boost naval capabilities at lower costs. “Maritime power has long been the backbone of America’s security and prosperity,” says CEO Rylan Hamilton.
Beyond defense, Blue Water Autonomy envisions a future where autonomous cargo ships, fishing vessels, and even tourism boats become the norm. These AI-powered ships could be continuously updated with software upgrades, much like smartphones.
However, the rise of maritime autonomy brings cybersecurity concerns. The USS Yorktown in 1997 famously became inoperable for two hours due to a software error, highlighting the risks of overreliance on digital systems.
Source: francetvinfo
