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Artificial intelligence
ChinaScience

China’s world-first drone carrier is a new ‘marine species’ using AI for unmanned maritime intelligence

  • Unmanned ship launched on Wednesday can carry dozens of drones, unmanned ships and submersibles to create a powerful ocean research tool, state journal says
  • 88-metre vessel can reportedly quickly intercept, besiege and expel invasive targets

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On Wednesday China launched the world’s first unmanned ship. The ship, Zhu Hai Yun has a top speed of 18 knots and can carry dozens of drone aircraft and unmanned water craft. Photo: Handout
Echo Xie
China launched the world’s first drone carrier capable of operating on its own on Wednesday.
The unmanned ship, which can be controlled remotely and navigate autonomously in open water, will be a powerful tool for the nation to carry out marine scientific research and observation, according to the state-run Science and Technology Daily.
It comes as artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in maintaining maritime security, controlling sea lanes and competing for marine resources. China aims to use AI technology to expand its maritime influence.

02:13

Chinese drones among new military aircraft highlighted at Zhuhai Airshow

Chinese drones among new military aircraft highlighted at Zhuhai Airshow
Construction of the ship, named Zhu Hai Yun, was started in July last year in Guangzhou by the Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard, a subsidiary of China’s largest shipbuilding company the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. It is expected to be delivered by the end of this year after completing sea trials.
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The wide deck of the ship can carry dozens of unmanned vehicles, including drones, unmanned ships and submersibles, and the equipment will be able to form a network to observe targets, according to the report.

Zhu Hai Yun is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Photo: Weibo
Zhu Hai Yun is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Photo: Weibo

The equipment is part of the vessel’s Intelligent Mobile Ocean Stereo Observing System (IMOSOS) developed by the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai).

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The system is also the world’s first. Science and Technology Daily said it could serve as an efficient tool for marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine environment monitoring, offshore wind farm maintenance and providing accurate marine information.

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