AI Controlled Robotic Ships Set Sail

Uploaded on 2024-04-15 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Artificial Intelligence, FREE TO VIEW, BUSINESS-Services-Transport & Travel

Autonomy, robotics and remote operation, along with Artificial Intelligence (AI), will transform all transport sectors and maritime shipping is rapidly adopting new technologies. IoT and robotics are being considered for a variety of commercial and military purposes at sea. For most of the world autonomous ships are still in their testing phase.

The concept of ocean-going ships operating without a crew is rapidly becoming a reality, with advancements in technology bringing this vision closer to fruition and much sooner than many had anticipated. The advantages are obvious. With fewer people on board, ships can be smaller, which means they require less fuel and have a much reduced carbon footprint.

Many questions spring to mind about remotely operated and autonomous shipping, just as they do about driverless cars and trains and the drones that are increasingly filling our skies. These questions relate to how this technology changes human work, and how many human jobs will be changed, or eliminated, and how secure are these electronic systems.

What's striking about these vessels is the significant reduction in onboard personnel. Despite being 78 meters (255 feet) long, the ship accommodates only 16 people, whereas a traditional vessel performing similar tasks would require a crew of 40 or 50.

OI aims to further reduce crew numbers by leveraging remote operations from land-based facilities. In their remote UK operations centre in Southampton, operators use gaming-like controls and touch screens to monitor the ship's activities through live streams from onboard cameras and sensors.

However, challenges remain in fully replacing onboard crew with autonomous systems. While autopilots have enabled ships to follow predefined paths autonomously, interacting with other vessels, navigating through ports, and handling unforeseen situations or adverse weather conditions pose significant challenges. Nevertheless, researchers and industry experts are optimistic that advancements in technology will lead to safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime transport in the long run.

Despite the progress, questions abound regarding the implications of remotely operated and autonomous shipping.

Additionally, regulatory frameworks must evolve to address these technological advancements, with organisations like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) working towards defining best practices and standards for autonomous shipping.

Image: Ideogram

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