Shield AI autonomy software to enhance Taiwanese uncrewed tech

US-company Shield AI will integrate its autonomy software into Taiwan-based SME Thunder Tiger’s uncrewed systems, in an effort to support the country’s “asymmetric capabilities”. 

An announcement on 12 May by Shield AI says it will initially integrate its Hivemind sense, decide, and act software into Thunder Tiger’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). 

Further integrations across Thunder Tiger’s range of surface and aerial uncrewed systems will then be rolled out, and will include simulation-based testing, hardware-in-the-loop integration, and live vehicle testing. This will be used to verify whether Thunder Tiger’s uncrewed systems can operate as a “coordinated” autonomous fleet.

Taiwanese capabilities 

Gene Su, General Manager of Thunder Tiger, said that the integration will provide the uncrewed platforms with decision-making capabilities to “execute complex missions independently”. 

To this end, a live demonstration this summer will see Hivemind integrated with a Thunder Tiger USV to highlight how “autonomy enables Taiwan’s maritime systems to navigate, respond, and carry out real-world missions at sea.” 

Brandon Tseng, co-founder of Shield AI, added that the partnership will provide Taiwan with the capabilities needed to “deter conflict” and is “part of a broader strategy” to support the country.

“We see this partnership as an opportunity to advance Taiwan’s defence industrial base and deliver more capable, autonomous systems to forces,” Su added.  

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise their partnership.