The US Navy is testing robotic refueling to push drone boats deeper into high-threat waters without putting sailors at risk

The demonstration has broader implications for extending the use of uncrewed surface vessels across the US Navy, officials said. Photo courtesy of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division The US Navy tested a robotic system for refueling a drone boat at sea. At-sea refueling could keep drone boats on station longer instead of sending them back to port. The Navy wants to eventually automate the process and keep sailors out of high-threat areas. The US Navy is testing whether it can robotically refuel naval drones at sea, a capability that could allow them to operate for longer in higher-threat waters. Uncrewed surface vessels may not need a crew, but they still need fuel to operate. The recent test is a step toward a fully autonomous refueling process that Navy officials say could eventually let the service send uncrewed vessels into dangerous waters for longer without human support elements.