SIEMENS AND UCD have collaborated to develop a robot boat capable of thinking for itself.
The Siemens Autonomous Sailboat is being developed by engineers in UCD and is due to have its first test run next week.
The boat is designed to use its sensors to monitor conditions and avoid obstacles without external control from humans. The sailboat uses an on-board computer to analyse the world around it and find the optimal route to follow.
With Terminator Salvation, the fourth film in the series, released this week, the intelligence of the robot boat bears a striking resemblance to the concepts described in the film.
Siemens Ireland doubts the sailboat will mark the dawn of a real-life Skynet, the artificial intelligence system in the Terminator films that brings about the destruction of humanity.
“I think we’re still a bit away from that, but clearly the industrial base in Ireland will become more automated,” says Michael O’Connor, marketing manager with Siemens.
“For example, we’re going to have wind farms that will need maintenance, so intelligent systems will play a more active role in the economy.”
The sailboat project requires UCD to find ways to operate the boat using renewable energy sources.
“Energy-capture technologies are important,” says Dr David Fitzpatrick, head of the UCD school of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.
“We’re looking at solar and wind power and looking at ways to control the use of that energy so that you never run out.”
Dr Fitzpatrick says the findings of the project could prove beneficial to industry.
“We’re hoping to look at energy-management applications. The communications side of things is also very important. We will be developing collision-avoidance technologies, so there is great potential for use in the leisure craft industries.”
A one-metre long test model of the boat is already being used, and the full version will be four metres when completed.
Four UCD students are working on designing the full-length boat over the coming months.
The model will be initially designed to operate close to shore. The group aim to be able to operate the device further out to sea by the end of the summer.
