In an ongoing two-year programme, researchers have teamed
up to look into new techniques for autonomous navigation. The
aim is to improve safety and accurate positioning at sea.
Tallink’s ship Megastar will take part in the research project as
the platform for onboard field tests.
R
esearch Manager at Finnish Geospatial combine data from visual images, envi- about navigation, but that will be a sub-
Research Institute, Dr. Sarang Thom- ronmental sound recordings, radar and ject for future research programs,” Thom-
bre, is currently leading the research pro- LiDAR ranging, satellite navigation, and bre mentions.
ject titled ’Artificial Intelligence / Machine vessel transponders.
The current research project will last
Learning Sensor Fusion for Autonomous The goal is to automatically identify two years, from January 2019 until the end
Vessel Navigation’ (Maritime AI-NAV). The and recognise objects – such as naviga- of 2020. At present, the research team
project is being funded by European Space tion-aids and other vessels or boats around consists of eight professionals.
Agency (ESA). the ship – and to provide improved situ- ”This is a nice project, with a good
ational awareness information by way of combination of academics and enterprises.
sensor fusion. Apart from us, some private companies are
”Our aim is to investigate how Euro-
pean satellites and space programs – such
as the Galileo and EGNOS systems – can
carrying out research in the field of auton-
be utilised for autonomous vessel naviga- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS omous vessels, but their research data will
tion. Aalto University and Fleetrange Ltd. HAVE BEEN DETERMINED not necessarily become public informa-
are also taking part in the project,” Dr. With the equipment installed, the ship can tion,” notes Thombre.
Thombre outlines. perform its own positioning and have sit-
For onboard testing, new sensor
uational awareness of its surroundings.
”The first phase in the research – the
system requirements review – has now
equipment will be installed on the Tallink’s ”Fully autonomous ships can uti- been reached. We have compiled a list of
cruise ship Megastar. The technology will lise such information to make decisions satellite navigation receivers, audio sen-
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