Arthur McMiler 
The first major test in an integration of HII’s autonomy software with Shield AI’s system has been completed aboard HII’s ROMULUS 20 unmanned surface vessel. The three-day test, held in late October, marked a step toward operational deployment of an artificial intelligence-enabled drone fleet, the companies announced Tuesday at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, Australia.
The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit will discuss exciting use cases for how AI, machine learning and automation are transforming our world today. Secure your seat now for the latest edition of the conference.
What Are the Integration’s Elements?
During the trials, HII’s Odyssey autonomy suite was combined with Shield AI’s Hivemind mission autonomy software using the Hivemind Enterprise software development kit. The exercise was the first maritime deployment of Hivemind, which enables unmanned systems to execute autonomous missions across domains.
The test was completed less than six weeks after the announcement of HII-Shield AI’s partnership.
HII’s ROMULUS series is designed as a modular, high-performance USV platform built on commercial-standard hulls. The lead vessel, ROMULUS 190, now under construction, is geared for speeds exceeding 25 knots and travel up to 2,500 nautical miles carrying four 40-foot containers.
Shield AI’s Hivemind software is designed to enable autonomous operations in environments without GPS or communications, capabilities previously demonstrated in aerial systems. The collaboration with HII extends the functions to the maritime domain, integrating both Hivemind and Odyssey to support autonomous operations alongside crewed naval vessels.
HII Exec Comments on Shield AI Partnership
“This collaboration between HII and Shield AI showcases how adaptable autonomy frameworks can accelerate development,” said Andy Green, president of HII’s Mission Technologies division and a seven-time Wash100 Award winner.
“The successful deployment on ROMULUS 20 validates the power of this partnership and paves the way for even greater autonomy across the ROMULUS fleet,” Green added.
