Navy Times reports that “Swiftships Shipbuilders LLC tested a prototype riverine vessel earlier this year that eventually will be fully autonomous. The goal of the company’s Project Anaconda is to have the autonomous watercraft ready in about 18 months, said Eric Geibel, the director of special programs for Swiftships.”

“When it’s finished, operators will be able to control the boat in three ways: with a person onboard like a traditional vessel; partly autonomous, with an operator controlling the vessel remotely; and fully autonomous, where it can be programmed to go from point A to point B while avoiding obstacles in the water, Geibel said.”