Hyundai presents its “autonomous boat” at the CES in Las Vegas
The Korean company, Hyundai, has presented its completely autonomous pleasure boat
It looks like science fiction, but it’s not. The boats of the future will move autonomously, with no captain on board. The design for the “autonomous boat” was presented by the well-known Korean company, Hyundai Heavy Industries during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022) in Las Vegas.
This year the event took place between 5 and 8 January with the participation of some of the most important businesses working for years on sophisticated technological research. Hyundai has outdone itself with the presentation of the new concept of the Metaverso.
This is advanced mobility made possible through the use of virtual reality. But there are more surprises in store. The Korean company, together with their internal company, Avikus, wanted to test the design immediately, applying new technology in the boating field.
THE FUTURE OF BOATING STARTS HERE
The plan is simple: create a boat that sails itself. This is the challenge for the Avikus team who presented at the CES 2022 their completely autonomous pleasure boat. The model is 6 metres long and is equipped with cameras, depth sensors and an artificial intelligence system, noticeably reducing the risk of accidents compared to a boat under human control.
In addition, visitors to the American event were able to go on a virtual sea voyage using a simple display. In this way, users can connect remotely quickly and safely. According to the head of Hyundai Heavy Industries, Do-Hyeong Lim, thanks to the intelligent navigation system, it will be easier to carry out manoeuvres like berthing and docking.
The project is ambitious, but the top management of HHI Group have no doubts on its effectiveness and are already aiming for an autonomous crossing for a cargo ship by the end of 2022. After all, Avikus has already carried out the first tests. In June 2021 a 12-person cruise ship, equipped with a fully autonomous navigation system, carried out a test voyage across the strait of Pohang in South Korea.
There are still a number of unknowns on this new technology which will radically change sailing, but no fear: the researchers guarantee complete safety while travelling. There is nothing more for us to do but wait a few more months to step on board one of these innovative autonomous boats.
