With self-driving cars just over the horizon, an unmanned robotic boat is set to be the newest in line for technological innovation.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) will be trialling an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to survey the Thames near Gravesend .

The USV is 4.25 metres in length and can be controlled remotely from a mothership or work independently.

Unmanned Survey Solutions, based in Hayle, Cornwall, built the machine and won the Cornwall Manufactures Award in 2019.

The Accession class USV will conduct surveys to help with the safety of navigation for larger ships and vehicles travelling along the river.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend