Amsterdam tests autonomous boats on its famous channel system

Typically, when we talk about autonomous vehicles, we are talking about autonomous cars. However, there are other types of autonomous vehicles, including autonomous aircraft and autonomous boats. Amsterdam is famous for many things, one of them is its channel system and water taxis that take people around the city.

Currently, Amsterdam tests autonomous boats that handle electrical energy on the many channels crossing the city. Amsterdam has more than 60 miles of waterways that welcome all types of ships and boats. The Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and MITs collaborate on the Roboat project to develop new ways to navigate waterways without controlling the craftsman.

Officials in Amsterdam say that technology is very relevant and complex port operations where there are many ships and ships and many docks and peers. Stephan Van Dijk says that technology can improve security using stand-alone systems and make it more efficient with a 24/7 operating approach.

A recent event has used an electric boat of 13 feet long. The vessel must learn to maneuver through traffic operating in the Canal system around Amsterdam. The channel system is full of private boats and canal cruise ships for tourists. Robots use orange propellers with a propellant quartet powered by a battery.

They have a maximum speed of about four mph and can operate for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the type of battery used and their cargo charge. A computer directs the small motorcycle remotely using processed data from cameras and sensors sweeping areas around the ship. These cameras and sensors can detect stationary and moving objects. Ships can also be adapted through modular design for different uses, including cargo or workers. Developers working on the system say it needs 2 to 4 other years before its development.