November 23, 2024 by Tom Rooney
Tom Rooney is the General Manager of Marine AI, and is a trained engineer, having served in the Royal navy for 25 years. Renowned for his deep expertise in radar, sonar, external communications and marine operations, Rooney has a proven track record of driving innovation in high-stakes environments. At Marine AI, he leads the development and deployment of the company’s cutting-edge suite of products, including autonomous navigation systems, advanced maritime sensors, and AI-driven vessel management solutions.
The Royal Navy is no stranger to technological innovation. Over centuries, its ships have borne witness to transformative leaps, from sail to steam, and from radar to nuclear propulsion. Now, in the age of artificial intelligence, the Navy is taking a bold step into the future, trialling cutting-edge autonomous software, GuardianAI, onboard it’s trials ship, the XV Patrick Blackett.
The XV Patrick Blackett, named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist and naval innovator, is the Royal Navy’s dedicated testbed for experimental technologies. In the words of Captain Keith Stephenson, Head of NavyX, it’s “a platform to test, trial, and innovate at speed.”
Marine AI’s GuardianAI is arguably one of the most ambitious technologies to be trialled on the vessel. Developed by the Plymouth-based company Marine AI, GuardianAI is designed to augment situational awareness, assist decision-making, and enable autonomous operations. But what makes it particularly noteworthy is its potential application across both crewed and unmanned systems, a vital consideration as navies worldwide race to develop autonomous capabilities.
How does GuardianAI work?
At its core, GuardianAI functions like an augmented watch officer, constantly scanning the environment and providing real-time data to enhance decision-making and dynamic operational planning. It uses a sophisticated network of sensors, including lidar, radar, high-definition cameras, and satellite systems, to monitor its surroundings. From this data, the system identifies potential hazards, be they other vessels, underwater obstacles, or adverse weather, then dynamically provides an updated safe navigation route and suggests corrective actions.
GuardianAI operates in two primary modes, watch guard mode, where it assists human crews by flagging risks and offering COLREG compliant recommendations, and fully autonomous mode, where the system takes complete control, steering the vessel and optimising routes. The modular nature of the GuardianAI software stack enables it to be easily configured to support every stage between these two primary modes.
For now, the trials aboard the Patrick Blackett will focus on integrating GuardianAI into a crewed vessel. The aim is to demonstrate how AI can improve operational decision-making processes, enhance safety, and reduce the workload on crews operating in high-stress environments.
Why AI, why now?
The adoption of AI in naval operations is not merely about keeping up with trends. It reflects the growing complexity of modern maritime threats and the increasing demands placed on naval personnel. Whether operating in congested shipping lanes, responding to crises at sea, or navigating hostile environments, modern ships and their crews are expected to handle more data and make faster decisions than ever before.
GuardianAI could help lighten that cognitive load. By providing a constant stream of situational insights, the system enables crews to focus on strategy and mission objectives rather than the minutiae of navigation. For the Royal Navy, this isn’t just a step towards automation, it’s about building confidence in how autonomous systems can coexist with human operators.
As Oliver Thompson, our technical lead, said: “This isn’t about replacing human expertise; it’s about augmenting it. GuardianAI provides a safety net, a force multiplier that helps crews make better, faster decisions. In a military context, that’s not just an advantage, it’s essential.”
Autonomy and the future of naval warfare
Autonomy is a word that stirs debate across the defence world. For some, it evokes fears of runaway robots and ethical dilemmas. For others, it represents the next logical evolution in warfare. But what is becoming clear is that autonomy is no longer a theoretical concept – and we are already seeing it used widely in the modern world.
GuardianAI’s potential extends far beyond augmenting human decision-making on crewed ships. The system is already in use on uncrewed vessels like Zero USV’s Oceanus12, where it operates entirely autonomously. Such capabilities could be pivotal in scenarios where deploying crewed ships is too dangerous or impractical, such as mine-clearing operations, surveillance, or resupply missions in contested waters.
As the Royal Navy looks to the future, integrating autonomous systems like GuardianAI into its fleet could redefine how it operates. By enabling ships to act independently or under remote control, the Navy could extend its reach, reduce risks to personnel, and increase operational efficiency.
Balancing innovation with regulation
One of the challenges facing the adoption of AI and autonomous systems is the regulatory framework. International maritime law is only beginning to grapple with the implications of autonomy, and much work remains to ensure these technologies comply with safety, security, and ethical standards.
GuardianAI has been designed with these considerations in mind. Its development aligns with international standards, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Autonomy Level requirements, which provide a roadmap for the safe and controlled integration of autonomous systems. Trials aboard the Patrick Blackett will not only test the technology but also contribute to the broader understanding of how autonomy can be regulated and certified for use on larger vessels.
Captain Stephenson is keen to stress the importance of this aspect:
“AI and autonomous systems will be pivotal in ensuring the Royal Navy’s readiness for future challenges. But it’s not just about adopting technology; it’s about understanding how to regulate and certify these tools to ensure they enhance safety and effectiveness without compromising standards.”
A Maritime revolution in the making
The trial of GuardianAI aboard the Patrick Blackett is more than just a test run for new software. It’s a microcosm of the broader transformation sweeping through the maritime world. As navies and commercial operators alike grapple with the demands of modern maritime operations, AI and autonomy are emerging as the tools that could redefine the art of navigation and warfare.
For the Royal Navy, this isn’t the first time it has led from the front. From the introduction of steam-powered ships to the adoption of radar, the Navy has a long history of embracing innovation. The question now is not whether AI will be part of its future, but how soon and how extensively.
As the Patrick Blackett sails into the unknown, it carries with it the hopes, and challenges, of an entire industry on the cusp of change. What it learns will shape not just the future of the Royal Navy, but the future of how humanity navigates the world’s oceans.
