MIT CSAIL Launches Self-Driving Water Taxis in Amsterdam

Autonomous Robot Boats Launched in Amsterdam Canals

While not many urban environments are suited for self-driving water transport, Amsterdam is proving to be an exception. Researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the Senseable City Laboratory have recently unveiled the first fully autonomous robot boats.

Introducing the Roboats

These innovative vessels, aptly named Roboats, commenced their initial trials in Amsterdam’s canal system this week. The name is a playful combination of "robot" and "boat."

Each Roboat is capable of accommodating up to five passengers. Beyond passenger transport, the development team envisions applications in waste collection, goods delivery, and other typical boating tasks.

Power and Operational Capabilities

These futuristic, battery-powered boats draw inspiration from science fiction aesthetics. They also feature wireless charging capabilities when docked. A single charge provides up to 10 hours of operational time, according to the team.

Navigation and Safety Features

Roboats utilize a combination of lidar and multiple cameras to achieve a complete 360-degree awareness of their surroundings. This allows for autonomous pathfinding and collision avoidance.

The navigation system functions similarly to that of an autonomous vehicle, employing GPS to determine the safest route between starting and ending points.

Roboat is now operating in the canals of Amsterdam. Image Credits: Roboat

Advanced Control Systems

“We’ve achieved significant improvements in the precision and reliability of the perception, navigation, and control systems,” explains MIT professor and CSAIL Director Daniela Rus. “These enhancements include new features like a close proximity approach mode for docking and refined dynamic positioning for navigating real-world waterways.”

The Roboat’s control system is also designed to adapt to varying passenger loads.

Modular Design for Versatility

A key design element of the Roboat is its modularity. The base hull, batteries, and propulsion systems are standardized. This allows for interchangeable top decks, enabling deployment for diverse applications and use cases.

Remote Monitoring and Safety Protocols

“The ability of Roboat to operate continuously, 24/7, and without an onboard skipper provides substantial benefits to a city,” states Fábio Duarte, a lead scientist on the project. “However, achieving full Level A autonomy raises safety concerns.”

Therefore, a remote control center will monitor Roboat operations. A single operator can oversee up to 50 Roboat units, ensuring efficient and safe functionality.

Further Information

Detailed information about the technology and project can be found at Roboat.org.