RAD Propulsion has launched its Autonomy Core system at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, introducing a simplified and scalable solution for remote vessel control and marine autonomy. The system enables Degree 3 autonomous operations with built-in safety, interoperability, and propulsion-agnostic integration, providing a practical pathway toward advanced maritime autonomy.
United Kingdom | May 19, 2026 – RAD Propulsion has announced the launch of its latest innovation, RAD Autonomy Core, a next-generation product within its Autonomy System designed to simplify and scale remote vessel control across commercial, defence, and leisure maritime sectors.
Unveiled at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, the new system represents a major step forward in practical marine autonomy, offering operators a simplified, reliable, and highly adaptable pathway to remote vessel operation without compromising safety, control, or integration flexibility.
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A Practical Approach to Marine Autonomy
RAD positions the Autonomy Core as a breakthrough in addressing one of the maritime industry’s key challenges: the complexity of vessel autonomy systems.
Built as an interface layer between onboard vessel systems and propulsion controls, the Autonomy Core enables seamless communication through an IP-based network architecture. This network can be connected via satellite, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication, using either RAD-supplied hardware or existing onboard infrastructure.
The company says the goal is to eliminate unnecessary complexity while enabling immediate operational capability for remote vessel control.
CEO: “Autonomy Has Been Overcomplicated for Too Long”
Commenting on the launch, Dan Hook, CEO of RAD said the industry has traditionally taken an overly complex approach to autonomy development.
“Autonomy in marine has been overcomplicated for too long,” Hook said. “With the Autonomy Core, we’ve focused on what operators actually need: a system that is easy to install, works with what they already have, and guarantees control.”
He added that the system is designed to make remote vessel operation accessible today, while providing a foundation for more advanced autonomy in the future.
Simple Installation and Immediate Capability
The RAD Autonomy Core is engineered for rapid deployment and integrates directly with existing vessel systems. It provides multiple interfaces to support flexible configurations across a wide range of vessel types.
Key interface capabilities include:
- 2 × RAD Bus connections
- 1 × DroneCAN interface (supporting compass and GPS integration)
- 1 × External autonomy system connection via embedded Autonomy Gateway
- 3 × Ethernet ports
The system supports Degree 3 autonomy, defined as fully remote vessel control without onboard crew. Through its modular architecture, operators can enable immediate remote operational capability while maintaining compatibility with advanced external systems.
Built for Interoperability Across Systems
A core feature of the Autonomy Core is its embedded Autonomy Gateway, which allows integration with third-party autonomy and situational awareness systems.
This design enables ship operators to layer additional decision-making capabilities from external technology partners while retaining RAD’s core function as the primary remote control enabler.
The company says this approach ensures flexibility in deployment, allowing operators to scale autonomy levels based on operational requirements and fleet strategy.
Dual Control and Built-In Safety Architecture
Safety and redundancy remain central to the system’s architecture.
When integrated with external autonomy platforms, the Autonomy Core includes a dual-control framework that ensures operators maintain full remote command capability even in the event of third-party system failure.
In such scenarios, operators can immediately revert to RAD’s control layer and activate a built-in “get me home” function designed to restore safe vessel operation.
This fallback mechanism ensures that loss of higher-level autonomy does not equate to loss of vessel control.
Defining Marine Autonomy Levels
RAD distinguishes its autonomy framework using structured operational definitions aligned with broader autonomy standards.
- Degree 3 Autonomy (Autonomy Core): Remote-controlled vessel operation without onboard crew
- Degree 4 Autonomy (partner-enabled systems): Vessel capable of independent navigational decision-making using advanced situational awareness tools
The Autonomy Core is designed to deliver Degree 3 autonomy as a standard capability, while remaining fully compatible with higher-level autonomous systems developed by integration partners.
Propulsion-Agnostic Design for Global Fleet Integration
A key advantage of the Autonomy Core is its propulsion-agnostic architecture.
The system is designed to integrate with both modern digital propulsion systems and legacy vessel infrastructure through appropriate gateway interfaces. While RAD’s own propulsion solutions provide the most streamlined integration pathway, the platform is engineered for compatibility across diverse fleet configurations.
This flexibility allows shipowners and operators to adopt the system without requiring major vessel redesigns or propulsion replacements.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Digital Vessel Infrastructure
RAD confirmed it is actively developing additional hardware and software solutions aimed at further simplifying vessel system integration.
Future developments will focus on enhanced IP networking infrastructure, advanced switching systems, and improved situational data presentation tools to support more sophisticated remote operations.
The company views the Autonomy Core as a foundational layer in a broader digital maritime ecosystem.
Flexible Deployment for Operational Needs
The Autonomy Core is available immediately and can be deployed in multiple configurations depending on operational requirements.These range from basic remote control installations to fully integrated autonomy-ready systems designed for scalable fleet adoption.
RAD says this flexibility allows operators to adopt autonomy incrementally, reducing barriers to entry while maintaining long-term upgrade pathways.
About RAD Propulsion
RAD Propulsion is focused on redefining marine mobility through advanced electric propulsion systems, integrated energy solutions, intelligent vessel architecture, and maritime software innovation.
The company develops technologies that enable electrification, connectivity, and smart system management across commercial, defence, and leisure vessels, supporting improved efficiency, performance, and adaptability in modern maritime operations.
Source: RAD Propulsion