The Navy wants autonomous ships. New England startups are racing to deliver

Shipbuilding startups in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have raised a lot of money recently. It's a funding drive fueled by the possibility of autonomous ships.

Scott Kirsner, columnist for WBUR's editorial partner MassLive, reports that the United States defense sector, specifically the Navy, is very interested in the growing industry.

For instance, a Lexington startup, Blue Water Autonomy, raised $50 million to build a 150-foot autonomous warship.

Kirsner joins WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss.