Hyundai Rotem Signs MOU with U.S. Shield AI for Development of AI-Based Multipurpose Drone Technology

AI-Based Manned-Unmanned Teaming Systems for Future Warfare
Next-Generation Ground Weapons Equipped with Drones and Integrated System Technologies

Hyundai Rotem announced on the 24th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Shield AI, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider, for the development of defense AI-based multipurpose drone operation technology at the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), which has been taking place at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province since the 20th.

Lee Jeongyeop (left), Vice President of Hyundai Rotem, and Mike Hanlin, Global Head of Strategy and Business Development at Shield AI, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding for the development of defense AI-based multipurpose drone operation technology at the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) held on the 23rd at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Hyundai Rotem

This MOU focuses on applying autonomous mission technologies capable of responding to nonlinear threats on the battlefield to Hyundai Rotem’s next-generation manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) ground weapon systems. Modern warfare is seeing the expansion of “nonlinear combat,” where the distinction between frontlines becomes blurred due to early enemy detection using drones and the proliferation of guerrilla tactics. Hyundai Rotem plans to utilize Shield AI’s AI-based autonomous combat software platform, Hivemind Enterprise (HME), to conduct step-by-step research and development (R&D) and advance autonomous combat mission execution technologies for unmanned systems.

Shield AI’s HME is a tool for developing autonomous mission execution technology that enables collaboration and task sharing between platforms without human intervention. It is especially optimized for implementing battlefield situational awareness, information sharing, autonomous decision-making and control, and cooperative strike missions-the core elements of MUM-T weapon system operations. This software is mainly used in the introduction of next-generation unmanned strategic assets, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles, in the United States and Australia.

Hyundai Rotem will first develop technology to equip its next-generation ground weapon lineup with drones capable of autonomous mission execution. Subsequently, autonomous mission execution and swarm control systems for unmanned platforms such as the multipurpose unmanned vehicle HR-SHERPA and multi-legged walking robots will be devised. Swarm control is a technology that enables numerous unmanned systems to cooperate and move as a single group on the battlefield, making it an essential element for the organic operation of MUM-T weapon systems.

In the final phase, the company plans to develop technology that will enable the integrated command and control of various types of MUM-T weapon systems based on the advanced AI technologies developed earlier, thereby preparing for future battlefields.

A Hyundai Rotem representative stated, "We plan to proactively evolve our next-generation ground weapon systems in line with rapidly changing global battlefield trends," adding, "We will continue striving to contribute to South Korea’s advancement as an 'AI-empowered military power' in the future."