Visitors to Amsterdam may soon spot a self-driving watercraft the size of a small car cruising through its canals, ferrying passengers or transporting goods or trash.
This is the electric-powered “Roboat” for a project shortly due to start test journeys aimed at improving the crowded city’s transport options, says Reuters.
After four years of trials with smaller versions and refinements of the concept, the makers presented the first two full-size, functional Roboats on last week.
In fact, one of the first test applications of the craft will be trash collection. Roboat will be stationed at the waterside and will act as floating trash container.
However, Roboats will need to be connected digitally to the city’s water traffic management to avoid collisions, with the advantage being that they don’t require human drivers and “see” as well at night as during the day.
Nevertheless, it is not yet permissioned to enter the city’s normal water traffic with passengers. Nonetheless, in the longer term, the medium size and slightly boxy chassis of the 1,200 kg (2,645 lb) craft can be used for passenger, trash and transport models.
