Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Japan To Launch Self-Navigating Cargo Ships 'By 2025' (bbc.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the self-piloting dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from BBC: Japanese shipping companies are working with shipbuilders to develop self-piloting cargo ships. The "smart ships" will use artificial intelligence to plot the safest, shortest, most fuel-efficient routes, and could be in service by 2025. The AI will also be used to predict malfunctions and other problems, which could help reduce the number of maritime incidents. The companies plan to build about 250 self-navigating ships. Shipping firms Mitsui OSK Lines and Nippon Yusen are working with shipbuilders including Japan Marine United to share both costs and expertise, according to the Nikkei Asian Review. The first ships will retain a small crew to oversee certain operations, but there are plans to develop completely autonomous vessels in the future.

7 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. poor Gilligan, no one to see his fire signal by turkeydance · · Score: 2

    now they'll NEVER get off that island

  2. Predict Malfunctions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    The AI will also be used to predict malfunctions

    "Just a moment... Just a moment... I've just picked up a fault in the AE-35 unit. It's going to go 100% failure within 72 hours."

    1. Re:Predict Malfunctions by slickwillie · · Score: 3, Funny

      Open the pod bay doors HAR.

  3. Pirates by manu0601 · · Score: 2

    I wonder how AI will handle pirates. Perhaps this is the "certain operations" why they retain a minimal crew?

    1. Re:Pirates by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 2

      I wonder how AI will handle pirates. Perhaps this is the "certain operations" why they retain a minimal crew?

      Pirates usually target the crew, and hold the crew as hostage. If there is no crew, the bridge needs no windows or ventilation, so the pirates can't take over the ship unless they bring a welding torch to cut their way in. It is hard to buy acetylene in Somalia.

    2. Re: Pirates by peragrin · · Score: 5, Informative

      Per maritime law if you put one fixed mount gun of any caliber larger than x it is a naval vessel and can be I pounded and siezed by any port it enters.

      Putting armed men on a ship also sets it at the same restriction.

      Armed men now deboard outside of port limits. Just for that. Yes it is as annoying as it sounds. They transfer around until they return to a port where they can get out.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
  4. Important question: by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 2

    How do they plan to compete with intercontinental railroad? Do you really think Elon is making those boring machines for commuter traffic?

    --
    Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.