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| The locomotive takes off on the world's first self-driving cruise |
Sea Machines, the leading developer of autonomous command and control systems for the marine industry, has announced that it will deploy a remote-controlled autonomous tug within 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 kilometres) around Denmark.
Known as the Machine Odyssey, this trip marks a turning point in robotic transportation and will prove that the world's waterways are ready for long-term independence.
Several autonomous ships are under development. However, there are fewer independent merchant ships cruising the waterways.
The tug Nellie Bly uses autonomous technology to completely steer the vessel. But it operates with the approval of US-based officials.
The test is designed to demonstrate the potential of integrating autonomous technologies to create a range of technological advantages for global companies that operate cargo ships, locomotives, ferries and many other types of commercial workboats.
Robot Odyssey represents a new era in the relationship between humans and technology and advances naval operations in the 21st century.
The tug is powered by Sea Machines' standalone SM300 system equipped with remote computer vision.
This independent system is a sensitive thruster system that uses trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance redesign, vector map data, and dynamic field implementation of end-to-end flight control.
Independent merchant ships are coming
The SM300 provides an active planning environment for remote human leaders with enhanced real-time overlays that show missions, ship status, situation awareness, environmental data, and audio and video in real time.
It looks like Nellie Bly is sailing through the electric cargo ship without the Yara crew. It is scheduled to start at the end of 2021.
This ship uses 7 MW batteries. With 900 kW, it sailed at a speed of 13 knots from Herroa to Breivik in Norway, a distance of 13 kilometers.
The marine hauling machine was built by the Dutch shipyard in Damen and appears to be powered by two outboard engines.
The company said you can watch the locomotive for yourself as it starts because the journey is broadcast around the clock.
Nellie Bly carried two professional sailors and occasional guest passengers throughout the voyage. On his way he communicates with the ports to display the technology. It is expected to start in Germany on September 30.