MIT researchers are testing robotic kayaks that cooperate to autonomously complete tasks. They’re using $500 plastic kayaks as test SCOUTs (Surface Crafts for Oceanographic and Undersea Testing) to hone their hardware and software. Eventually, hey hope to install the systems on much more expensive autonomous underwater vehicles designer for search and rescue or mine sweeping. Of the ten SCOUTs built so far, four are owned by the Naval Underwater Warfare Center which, er, probably has its own ideas for them. From the MIT News Office: