Self-driving boat for multi-purpose use stages successful test voyage

By Lim Chang-won Posted : November 23, 2017, 16:38 Updated : November 23, 2017, 16:38
 

[Courtesy of the maritime ministry]


A three-ton self-driving boat staged a successful test voyage under a state-financed project to develop autonomous navigation technologies for maritime research, rescue operations and the surveillance of illegal fishing.

The drone boat, called "Aragon II", used a radar and cameras to avoid collision with other vessels and obstacles while sailing on a designated route off the southern island of Geoje, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

It can sale at a speed of up to 43 knots (80 kilometers) per hour, said the ministry, which launched the project with a dozen organizations including the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) in 2011 to develop multi-purpose unmanned boats.

"It has an autonomous navigation function that recognizes its own route, avoids obstacles. It also has a remote control function that can adjust the route when an emergency occurs," the ministry said in a statement.

Technologies acquired in the project will be transferred to the civilian sector for the development of big autonomous ships and high-speed drone boats for military use.


 
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