Video: new tech enables autonomous shipping
Collaboration between UAntwerp and Port of Antwerp uses 3D sonar sensors that mimic the way bats navigate.
New technology, pioneered by UAntwerp, has been tested as a means of enabling autonomous ships to navigate the busy waters of the Port of Antwerp, a press release reveals today. Using a system of robust 3D sonar sensors, the UAntwerp team hopes to perfect a system that will work in harsh marine environments and allow vessels to sail unmanned.
Prof. Jan Steckel of CoSys-Lab, a research group in UAntwerp’s Faculty of Applied Engineering, said: “In order to achieve fully autonomous navigation, constant monitoring of the ship’s surroundings is absolutely crucial… Cameras can be used, of course, but when visibility is poor – due to dust, water sprays, mud, smoke or fog – they don’t work properly.’
In 2020, the technology was successfully used aboard the test vessel, Tuimelaar, which was fitted with 32 waterproof sonar units and this year the Port plans to use the system as part of its Smart Docking Innovation Challenge.
