ACU Dec-18 Final LR

T E C H N O LO G Y
Falco: The world's first autonomous ferry
FINLAND: Using sensors, cameras and Rolls-
Royce intelligence technologies, Falco
successfully crossed the waters off Turku,
Finland last month, unmanned, becoming the
world's first autonomous ferry.
The return to the shore of the 53.8-meter
double-ended car ferry equipped with twin
azimuth thrusters from Rolls-Royce was even
more astonishing with only a remote control
used to navigate its voyage.
Rolls-Royce and Finferries, which acquired
the ferry in 1993, began collaborating on a new
research project called SVAN (Safer Vessel with
Autonomous Navigation), to continue
implementing the findings from the earlier
A d v a n c e d A u t o n o m o u s Wa t e r b o r n e
Applications (AAWA) research project, funded
by Business Finland.
Mikael Makinen, Rolls-Royce, President –
Commercial Marine, said Falco's success is “a
huge step forward in the journey towards
autonomous shipping and reaffirms exactly
what we have been saying for several years, that
autonomous shipping will happen.”
“This is a very proud moment for all of us and
marks our most significant milestone so far.
Today's demonstration proves that the
autonomous ship is not just a concept, but
something that will transform shipping as we
know it,” he added.
Mats Rosin, Finferries CEO, says history was made in the maritime
industry with Falco's launch which had some 80 VIP guests aboard.
“We are very proud that maritime history has been made on the
Parainen-Nauvo-route once again. First with our world-renowned
hybrid vessel Elektra and now Falco as the world's first autonomous
ferry. As a modern ship-owner our main goal in this cooperation has
been on increasing safety in marine traffic as this is beneficial for both
the environment and our passengers. But we are also equally excited
about how this demonstration opens the door to the new
possibilities of autonomous shipping & safety,” said Rosin in a
statement.
Japan's 'Lovot” on a mission to cheer you up
TOKYO: Japan is getting a new addition
in its animated and eclectic world with the
launch of the household robot named
“Lovot”—an amalgam of “love” and
“robot.”
Groove X, a Japanese startup, with
funding of about US$71.1 million from
investors that include Toyota Motors Corp.,
chat app operator Line Corp., and the
Japanese government, unveiled its first
creation in Tokyo on Dec 18.
The AI-powered cuddly robot resembles
a penguin with cartoonish human eyes and
can interact with owners. It's capable of
showing affection when shown kindness
and can be used to watch over the house
via a camera that users can access through
a mobile app while they are out.
Groove X founder and CEO Kaname
Hayashi told the media the Lovot “will draw
out your ability to love.”