TAIWAN, — U.S. defense technology company Shield AI and Taiwan-based Thunder Tiger Corp. have demonstrated how Hivemind autonomy software can coordinate uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) during maritime patrol and escort missions. The July 29 demonstration took place in Dapeng Bay, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, using Thunder Tiger’s six-meter SeaShark 600 and eight-meter SeaShark 800.
The companies completed software integration in six weeks, starting with digital models before testing Hivemind on the actual boats. Personnel from Taiwan’s state-run National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and Coast Guard Administration attended the demonstration.
Coordinated Patrol and Escort
Mission planners divided the patrol area into two sectors, assigning one SeaShark to each. Both boats used maritime radar and the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which broadcasts ships’ identities and positions, to monitor surrounding traffic.
When a third vessel acting as a vessel of interest entered the area, Hivemind combined radar contacts and AIS reports, which can differ in update rates and reported positions, into a continuously updated track shared by both boats.
The SeaShark 600 transmitted live electro-optical and infrared video of the target to operators ashore. Hivemind then paused the patrol and directed the boats into an escort formation, positioning one on the target’s port side and the other on its starboard side. This provided two viewing angles and positioned the vessels to support an interdiction if ordered. No interdiction was reported. After the target left the area, Hivemind ended the escort and returned both boats to their original patrol sectors without operators directing each individual movement.
Simulation Shows Increased Patrol Coverage
Shield AI also simulated five uncrewed boats using adaptive patrols across a 50-nautical-mile (93-kilometer) stretch of water. Five boats following fixed patrol patterns covered six nautical miles (11 kilometers). Both groups maintained a reported 95% vessel identification rate, giving the adaptive approach approximately 8.3 times the coverage with the same number of boats. These were simulation results; actual performance depends on sensors, vessel speed and sea conditions.
“We sought out the world’s strongest technology: Shield AI’s Hivemind. We chose them because we know they have already integrated and tested on 30+ platforms,” said Bryan L., who leads Thunder Tiger’s USV division.
Thunder Tiger Chairman William Chen said: “We are very optimistic about Hivemind, which brings autonomy to USVs for area search, target tracking, and the execution of these missions.”
Taiwan Partnership and Uncrewed Systems Plans
Shield AI and Thunder Tiger signed a partnership in May 2026 to integrate Hivemind into Thunder Tiger’s uncrewed systems, beginning with the SeaShark family. In February 2026, Shield AI also signed a contract with NCSIST covering Hivemind tools for Taiwanese-built platforms. Shield AI says the software has been integrated into more than 30 platforms, including F-16 fighter aircraft and uncrewed boats.
Taiwan’s coastline extends more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) across the main island and outlying islands. Its Ministry of National Defense has requested funding for 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels and thousands of coastal reconnaissance and attack drones.
Shield AI said the six-week project established a repeatable process for integrating Hivemind into other uncrewed boats. The demonstration showed how autonomous software can coordinate patrols, track vessels and reassign missions, supporting Taiwan’s broader interest in expanding uncrewed maritime capabilities.
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