Self-driving boats called Roboats could sail Amsterdam’s canals by 2017
- 8 years ago
AMSTERDAM — In a collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) is currently developing autonomous boats.
Roboat is the first large-scale research project that will put self-driving boats on water as early as 2017.
The first prototype, a flatbed, six-by-six-foot design was created for basic transportation of people and goods through Amsterdam’s many canals.
The flatbed boats can also be utilized as on-demand bridges or water stages, easily assembled within hours to relieve traffic congestion.
Researchers are also looking at other designs that could assist in underwater research, detecting waterborne diseases at an early stage.
The Roboats also have potential to help clean canal waters by picking up floating debris or waste.
The project is currently being backed with $27 million and researchers are hoping the autonomous boats can be utilized in cities across the world.
Roboat is the first large-scale research project that will put self-driving boats on water as early as 2017.
The first prototype, a flatbed, six-by-six-foot design was created for basic transportation of people and goods through Amsterdam’s many canals.
The flatbed boats can also be utilized as on-demand bridges or water stages, easily assembled within hours to relieve traffic congestion.
Researchers are also looking at other designs that could assist in underwater research, detecting waterborne diseases at an early stage.
The Roboats also have potential to help clean canal waters by picking up floating debris or waste.
The project is currently being backed with $27 million and researchers are hoping the autonomous boats can be utilized in cities across the world.