Roboat (unmanned boats)

2021: Starting use in Amsterdam

At the end of October 2021, the world's first water unmanned taxi was launched in Amsterdam. We are talking about Roboat boats developed by a team from the Laboratories of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAIL)  and Senseable Citizenship of the Massachusetts  Institute of Technology.

The boat takes on board five people, and can also deliver cargo, carry waste and much more. Roboat was based on technology using lidar and several panoramic cameras. To determine the route, a GPS navigator was introduced into the device.

From other characteristics of the boat, the developers distinguish the possibility of wireless charging, as well as autonomy from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the carrying capacity. They charge at their berths. Taxis can reach speeds of up to 12 km/h.

Launched the world's first water unmanned taxi

One of the smart aspects is that the boat is built on a universal platform - a hull that can be used for various purposes, together with batteries and power plants.  The upper deck can be dismantled, which allows you to use the ship in a variety of projects.

Since Roboat can perform its tasks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and without a skipper on board, it is of great importance to the city.  However, for security reasons, it is doubtful whether the first level of autonomy is needed, "says Fabio Duarte, one of the leading developers of the project.  - The onshore operator will monitor the Roboat remotely from the control center.  One operator can monitor more than 50 robots, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

It is noted that the ship passed successful tests and at the end of October 2021 went on the route through the channels of Amsterdam. According to the developers, Amsterdam's channels are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The peculiarities of building the city make it the most suitable place for using a water taxi for faster movement than by land.^[1]

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