The Roboat III is already operational in Amsterdam. It is an autonomous boat that has multiple innovations of great draft.
In cities where water is involved, it is often necessary to have constant maritime transport services to allow people to cross from one side to the other. This type of service is usually carried out, in a common way, through boats controlled by a diesel engine and a rudder. This has been the case for decades. This business model always seems to have been viable, but the truth is that new needs are beginning to appear.
Is the provision of an electric motor essential? Furthermore, is the provision of one person at the helm of such a vessel essential? Leading institutions like MIT have been thinking about these kinds of questions for years. Taking into account solutions presented in terms of sustainable mobility and, of course, autonomous driving, the debate is served. The institute itself mentioned has managed to come up with a proposal that is now being tested.
The Roboat III, as it is called, comes to represent a change in the dynamics of means of transport at the river level. To do this, the city of Amsterdam is being analyzed in order to understand to what extent we are facing mature enough technology. In this context, new vessels of just 2 meters and with an advanced technology system are beginning to circulate through the canals.
It is a pilot project whose main objective is to understand how autonomous driving can become applicable in an ecosystem of these characteristics. Due to the lack of previous experiments, all tests are being closely monitored that are being carried out. The objective is to reduce the risk of a potential accident as much as possible. After all, can you imagine the consequences that the collapse of a unit can have?
Let’s see, therefore, what are the main qualities of the Roboat III, why we can be facing a technology that can be extended to many other areas and, above all, why MIT has focused on creating of this curious innovation. Without a doubt, it is an invention that can mark a before and after in this type of transport.
Boats with multiple advanced technology equipment
Since 2016, tests have been carried out to enjoy a proposal of these characteristics. It is now when it is beginning to talk about the possibility of incorporating clients with the aim of start making the transport service profitable. Well, what does it consist of? Nothing better than seeing some images to analyze its future impact on society.
As can be seen in the previous images, the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, better known as CSAIL, has unveiled the boat, which measures around 4 meters. Thanks to this measure, can transport in each displacement to a maximum of 5 people. The first test was a complete success, as it was possible to complete a complete tour in about 3 hours.
Now, what is it that really makes this technology so special? As can be read in the specialized portal New Atlas, each of the boats that have been tested has a whole arsenal of equipment. It is worth highlighting the disposition of a LiDAR sensor, cameras in the surroundings with artificial intelligence systems and, of course, the presence of other additional equipment, such as GPS.
Thanks to all this, it is possible to guide these types of boats through the channels without danger of collisions. Even so, in order to be extremely cautious, there are always project personnel monitoring all movements to ensure avoid any possible accident. The key to this technology is that, as it is a set of algorithms with continuous learning, a much more intuitive software team is increasingly available when making decisions.
A team of robotic units to make this means of transport efficient
Does this alternative to conventional transport have a future? According to the researchers who have worked on the creation of this project, a single operator may be able to track the position and guarantee correct operation of up to a total of 50 units. Taking this data into account, the truth is that many users would move calmly with an option of these characteristics, right?
Roboat III is nothing more than an update that, this time, may become viable in terms of commercial terms. The tests that are currently being carried out they seem essential and, above all, necessary to guarantee the safety of the occupants. It is an option that can be standardized as a means of transport service in the medium term in many other cities.
And you, would you dare rely on autonomous driving in a proposal of these characteristics? Technology is moving very fast and once again we see how robotics can wipe out a new job in the economy.
Related topics: Technology
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