- Maritime Autonomy Research Center unveiled in Michigan University to improve the prospects of unmanned research vessels.
- The primary aim and objective is to double the trade.
- A coalition of scientists, navigators, policymakers are developing guidelines in this regard.
- Surveying through third scale Swarming boats and Jet Skis were demonstrated at the inaugural event.
In a hope to spur new developments in unmanned research vessels, the Michigan University has unveiled a Maritime Autonomy Research Site located in the Great Lakes Research Center which is believed to be the first freshwater testing spot of its kind, reports US News.
Smart Ship Coalition
At the same time, officials announced the Smart Ships Coalition. It includes scientists, policymakers, navigators, educators and others from around the Great Lakes looking to develop guidelines for conducting research with autonomous boats.
“It’s emblematic of the ability of our faculty to be able to bring together a coalition of government agencies and groups and individuals around autonomous maritime research,” said Richard Koubek, president of Michigan Technological University. “It’s truly a distinction that sets Michigan Tech apart. But also the fact that we have this facility to do it in.”
Applications of autonomous technology in the near term will be focused on research, surveying, search and rescue, said David Naftzger, executive director of the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. The group consists of governors of Great Lakes states, including Gov. Rick Snyder, and premieres from the Canadian provinces.
Doubling the Trade
Their goal is to double maritime trade in the Great Lakes, he said. Autonomous technology can be a “quantum leap” in advancing shipping, he told The Daily Mining Gazette .
“Shipping 25 years from now will look very different than it does today,” he said. “In part, that’s going to be because of the work that’s being done here.”
Small Beginnings
In smaller ways, autonomous features are already entering the market, said Travis White, a research engineer at the GRLC and co-founder of ProNav Marine. He pointed out a buoy in the water that can be used to set up a race course via smart course, which ProNav helped develop the GPS controls.
“Being fortunate to work here at the Great Lakes Research Center, I’m excited to have an opportunity to work on some of the issues still that face the adoption of autonomous technologies” such as safety concerns, he said.
Benefits of Unmanned Vessels
With crew onboard, a craft could go out in conditions that would preclude a manned trip. The event included the demonstration of a one-third-scale model of a swarming boat, which will be able to work in conjunction with other vehicles and assess wave fields to choose how to maneuver in choppy waters.
Human Out of the Loop
Interest in the jet ski, which is outfitted with sonar, is also a step toward surveying the Great Lakes without a piloted vessel said Guy Meadows, director of the Great Lakes Research Center.
“Surveying on a jet ski is really fun, but if you’re talking about surveying the Great Lakes, our real goal is to get the human out of the loop,” Meadows said.
“Human, out of the loop!” he then commanded the pilot, who raised his hands away from the controls as the jet ski sped on.
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
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Source: Michigan Technological University
