Autonomous ships could set sail before flying cars lift off: This US startup is bringing robot ships to life | Technology News

It seems we may have autonomous ships even before flying cars hit the skies. Blue Water Autonomy, a Boston-based startup, is reportedly working on autonomous ships. The company founded experts from iRobot, the US Navy and Amazon Robotics is on its way to redefine naval operations. The company has reportedly got $14 million in seed funding to develop the unmanned ship. These autonomous naval vessels could likely address a host of critical challenges faced defence and could also have future commercial applications.
Reportedly, the $14 million in seed funding has been acquired the company from prominent investors such as Eclipse VC, Riot, and Impatient Ventures. The funds will be used to advance the technology and testing operations. Blue Water Autonomy, which was founded in 2024, uses the expertise of a team consing of ex-US Navy members and robotics technicians. The company has claimed that within just a year it has assembled an autonomy technology stack and completed initial conceptual designs for its line of fully autonomous marine vessels.

The company is among the fast-growing defence startups in the US that are accelerated with massive investments in defence technology. Reportedly, Blue Water Autonomy is conducting open-water trials with a 100-ton autonomous test vessel off the coast near Boston. With the latest round of funding, the startup plans to expand its team of engineers and advance its testing development to essentially bring it closer to deploying the next-gen autonomous naval systems.
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The company is reportedly emerging as a key player in maritime innovation, particularly at a time when global naval forces are facing intense pressure. At a time when there are tensions in the Pacific and Black Sea and when the US’s shipbuilding capabilities are behind China, this technology could offer a cost-effective way to enhance deterrence without the need to increase personnel. The startup is expected to back the US in maintaining its presence and security across strategic trade routes, including volatile regions such as the Red Sea.
Other than defence, Blue Water Autonomy is also seeing potential in commercial markets. Reportedly, its autonomous systems could revolutionise cargo shipping, offshore energy, fishing and also luxury maritime experiences. The company is essentially developing dual-use technologies that can not only address immediate defence needs but will also support larger transformations in the global maritime scenario.