High-Performance Hull and Advanced AI Application... Development Targeted for 2026
HD Hyundai unveiled the unmanned surface vessel (USV) 'TENEBRIS,' jointly developed with the U.S. big data company Palantir, for the first time.
On the 7th (local time), HD Hyundai exhibited a model of the AI-based USV at the 'AI EXPO' held in Washington D.C., USA, and announced on the 9th that it showcased its technological capabilities in the unmanned vessel sector.
A bird's-eye view of the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) 'Tenebris' jointly developed by HD Hyundai and Palantir (Provided by HD Hyundai)
The reconnaissance USV TENEBRIS, revealed by the two companies, means 'darkness' in Latin, symbolizing its mission to conduct reconnaissance covertly near enemy lines. It features a lightweight displacement of 14 tons, a length of 17 meters, a high-performance hull, and advanced AI, with development completion targeted for 2026.
HD Hyundai plans to maximize the USV's seaworthiness and cruising range so that it can be deployed anytime and anywhere without performance degradation such as communication loss, even under changing maritime conditions. Additionally, speed and payload capacity will be increased, and stealth capabilities enhanced.
By integrating HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation and vessel integrated management system with Palantir's AI platform for 'mission autonomy' (AI-based mission automation), the project aims to apply world-class advanced AI technology.
Since starting USV development with Palantir in April, HD Hyundai has actively entered the domestic and international unmanned vessel market, including securing the concept design for the 'ship-mounted unmanned surface vessel' ordered by the Republic of Korea Navy.
According to Allied Market Research, a U.S. market research firm, the global unmanned surface vessel market size is expected to grow from $920 million in 2022 at an average annual rate of 11.5%, reaching $2.7 billion by 2032.
Cho Hyun-dong, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States (third from the right), is visiting the site of the US AI Expo and receiving an explanation about the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) 'Tenebris' from a representative of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. (Provided by HD Hyundai)
The event was attended by over 150 major U.S. defense and AI companies such as Palantir, Lockheed Martin, Google, and Microsoft, as well as key U.S. security agencies including the National Security Agency, Department of Energy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Cho Hyun-dong, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States, visited the TENEBRIS exhibition site to review HD Hyundai's future unmanned vessel technology.
Rob Emig, Palantir's Head of Defense Research and Development, stated, "We are very pleased to expand our long-standing partnership with HD Hyundai into the defense sector and apply a completely new form of AI technology capabilities to the unmanned vessel field." An HD Hyundai official said, "We will lead the unmanned surface vessel sector, emerging as a new blue ocean in the global vessel market, by partnering with Palantir, a top-tier company in defense AI."
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