‘A new marine species’: China unveils world-first drone carrier with AI system and fleet of autonomous vessels

The Zhu Hai Yun can be controlled remotely and will play role in China’s maritime security, as well as non-defence tasks

China launches drone carrier vessel designed to carry ‘dozens’ of autonomous vehicles (Southern Ocean Laboratory)

China has reportedly launched a drone carrier with a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence system that contains dozens of autonomous drones, ships and submersibles to conduct marine research and observation.

The vessel – 88m long, 14m wide and 6m deep – can be controlled remotely or navigate autonomously in open water, as well as form a network to observe targets and play a role in maintaining maritime security, reported the South China Morning Post.

It is expected to help in marine disaster prevention, monitoring the marine environment and offshore wind farm maintenance, according to China’s Science and Technology Daily.