AI-Powered Ship by IBM Accomplished Unplanned Crossing of the Atlantic

Urian B., Tech Times 07 June 2022, 02:06 am

IBM's AI-powered ship was able to cross the Atlantic in a groundbreaking feat. The interesting part of the story is that this trip was not actually planned.

IBM's AI-Powered Ship is Called the 'Mayflower'

According to the story by Artificial Intelligence-News, the AI-powered ship by IBM is called the Mayflower and is named after the same ship that once carried Pilgrims to Massachusetts, US, from Plymouth, UK, back in 1620.

With autonomous driving still being developed, the team has been able to create a similar technology but in water, where there are fewer cars, traffic, or pedestrians to worry about. This, however, doesn't come without problems of its own.

AI-Powered Ship Spotted an Issue and Reported It

Autonomous driving at sea is also extremely difficult due to multiple factors like the wind, currents, waves, and the vehicle itself is able to withstand certain damages. Luckily with IBM's ship, the ship was able to report the issues it spotted.

The new ship is a 50-foot, around 15.24 meters, and relies on AI along with edge computing in order to navigate the oceans, which could sometimes be harsh and unpredictable. IBM's Mayflower was trying to once again accomplish the journey of the original ship, but this time, autonomously.

The Mayflower Made Its Way to Halifax After It Experienced Generator Problems

In April of this year, IBM's Mayflower set off again and was met with an issue with the generator, which made the ship set sail to the Azores Island in Portugal. After being patched up and pressed until later in May due to problems with the generator's starter batteries.

When the Mayflower was finally fixed, it then set course for Halifax, Nova Scotia. Just after five weeks, the Mayflower successfully docked in Halifax.

Mayflower Crossed the Atlantic Due to the Unexpected Charts

Although it hasn't reached its final destination, the Mayflower was still able to cross the Atlantic due to the unexpected charts. As per IBM, the autonomous system has been able to work flawlessly.

A video of the Mayflower was uploaded to YouTube, including a glimpse of how the ship was able to sail with its MarineAI-built AI captain. It was noted that current AI systems are still not yet capable of controlling robotics in order to do mechanical repairs.

AI Technology was Able to Detect Different Obstacles and Objects in the Water

Despite the lack of on-ship repairs, the Mayflower was still able to make its way through the ocean and even report back mechanical issues. As per the VP and CTO of Edge Computing at IBM, Robert High, the ship is responsible for its own navigation and has "very sophisticated software."

In the statement towards Edge Computing News, High stated that the AIs were used in order to "recognize the various obstacles and objects in the water," including debris, ships, boats, marine life, or other land obstacles.

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Written by Urian B.