The United States Navy has run successful tests of unmanned autonomous robotic boats on the James River in Virginia.

The United States Navy has run successful tests of unmanned autonomous robotic boats on the James River in Virginia.

Using artificial intelligence technology, the boats are equipped to identify and take down enemy targets with their infrared sensors, radar, and machine guns.

Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder, chief of the Office of Naval Research is quoted as saying: “We have every intention to use those unmanned systems to engage a threat. There is always a human in the loop of that designation of the target and if so, the destruction of the target.”

The thirteen boats that were participating in the test were coordinated and synchronized to ride next to and defend a larger boat, and to surround another enemy target using a single controller.

They also have the capability to act autonomously, making decisions about how to maneuver in the midst of changing circumstances.

Klunder says a job that would’ve required forty sailors before, now only needs one.

Software used on the boats was originally created by NASA for their Mars Curiosity rover, but the artificial intelligence technology only costs around two thousand dollars to install on boats that are already part of the Navy’s fleet.