Robot submarines could sweep for mines John Williams/DOD Office of Naval Research

The UK’s Royal Navy wants to use artificial intelligence to guide a fleet of robot submarines, plotting the best course to find and destroy underwater mines.

Mines are a cheap and effective form of naval warfare. Laid by aircraft, ships or submarines, they lurk in shallow water until a vessel passes nearby and triggers a magnetic sensor, setting off the explosive.

Ensuring waterways are safe requires regular sweeps. At present, the UK searches for mines in the Gulf using crewed vessels. But from next year, these will …