U.S. Special Operations Command partners with Sea Machines Robotics for autonomous vessels

The U.S. Special Operations Command has signed a five-year contract with Sea Machines Robotics to convert existing vessels into remote-controlled or autonomous unmanned maritime platforms.

Under the agreement, the military will receive SM300-SP autonomy kits that can be integrated into various boats currently in operation or located within operational zones. The system is designed to be versatile, allowing for integration with commercial vessels, partner nation platforms, and other maritime assets without being restricted to a specific hull type.

The SM300-SP autonomy kits work in conjunction with Sea Machines’ TALOS software and utilize GNSS, inertial navigation, radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), depth sensors, and weather data. These systems are intended to support missions involving expeditionary logistics, intelligence, surveillance, research, and maritime security. The architecture allows for both remote operation and autonomous execution of specific tasks, including collision avoidance, through a unified interface that manages electronic maps, video feeds, speed, and payload.