# Autonomous Robotic Warships This DARPA Unmanned Vessel Can Track Hostile Submarines By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-02-17 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unmanned-vessel References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/darpa-actuv-unmanned-sub-hunter/41842/) & [darpa.mil](http://www.darpa.mil/program/anti-submarine-warfare-continuous-trail-unmanned-vessel) The Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel or ACTUV is a high-tech [unmanned robotic vessel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arivia-watersurface-drone), designed by [DARPA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crane-program), that is designed to make it possible to sniff out hostile submarines without a human crew. Also known as the Seahunter, this 42 meter-long vessel is capable of working for months at a time. This makes it possible for the unmanned vessel to be used safely -- and in tune with international maritime laws -- at only a tenth of the cost of typical submarine-detecting vessels. The ACTUV is capable of operating for between 30 and 90 days at a time without any human crew, and can depart from and arrive back at ports autonomously. This unmanned vessel is a great example of how operational efficiency of a maritime war vessel can be increased whilst also decreasing risk to human operators. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Autonomous War Vessels:** The development of unmanned vessels for maritime warfare can increase operational efficiency while decreasing risks to human operators. - **Submarine Detection Robots:** The ACTUV represents a new approach for detecting hostile submarines without human intervention. - **Long-range Unmanned Vessels:** The Seahunter can operate for extended periods of time, making it capable of tracking submarines for weeks or even months at a time. ### Where This Applies - **Military Technology:** The development of autonomous robotic warships has significant disruptive innovation opportunities for military technology. - **Maritime Industry:** The use of unmanned vessels for anti-submarine warfare can provide cost savings and greater operational efficiency in the maritime industry. - **Robotic Automation:** The advancement of autonomous technology represents significant opportunities for the development of robotic automation in various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Autonomous Sailing Research Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/research-vessel.md) - [Unmanned Ocean Mapping Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unmanned-surface-vessel.md) - [Autonomous Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-underwater-robot.md) - [Compact Autonomous Underwater Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-autonomous-underwater-vehicle.md) - [Sea Mine-Destroying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minedestroying-underwater-robots.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Water-Mapping Autonomous Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermapping-autonomous-boats.md) - [Self-Operating Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-inspection-underwater-robot-underwater-visual-inspection.md) - [Multitasking Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multitasking-underwater-drone.md)