Autonomous System for Ships Tested at Antwerp Port
Recently, researchers from the University of Antwerp have developed a 3D sonar sensor for ships autonomous sailing. How does the new sensor work, has the new sensor been tested, and can it help the shipping industry?
Researchers Develop 3D SONAR Sensor
Recently, researchers from the University of Antwerp announced that they have developed a new sensor that will help ships (specifically, those used in shipping of goods), sail autonomously. The sensor itself was developed as part of a larger project, the embedded Real-Time Imaging Sonar project, and recent tests demonstrate the sensor s successful nature.
3D sonar sensors enable unmanned sailing: UAntwerp and Port of Antwerp testing innovative technology for autonomous shipping
Automated navigation is the future of inland shipping. It may sound futuristic, but innovative research carried out by UAntwerp and the Port of Antwerp is bringing us one step closer to this dream. The key: 3D sonar sensors, inspired by the way bats see the world.
‘In 2019, over 42% of all goods entered or left the port of Antwerp via inland waterways’, says port alderman Annick De Ridder. ‘In other words, inland shipping is crucial if we want to ensure the accessibility of our city and our port. By focusing on technology such as unmanned navigation, we want to further increase both the market share and the competitiveness of inland shipping.’
3D sonar sensors enable unmanned sailing
Automated navigation is the future of inland shipping. It may sound futuristic, but innovative research carried out by UAntwerp and the Port of Antwerp is bringing us one step closer to this dream. The key: 3D sonar sensors, inspired by the way bats see the world. In 2019, over 42% of all goods entered or left the port of Antwerp via inland waterways , says port alderman Annick De Ridder. In other words, inland shipping is crucial if we want to ensure the accessibility of our city and our port. By focusing on technology such as unmanned navigation, we want to further increase both the market share and the competitiveness of inland shipping.
Antwerp tests 3D sonar sensors for unmanned shipping January 7, 2021, by Naida Hakirevic
The University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) and the Port of Antwerp have been jointly testing 3D sonar sensors innovative technology for autonomous inland shipping.
At CoSys-Lab, a research group in UAntwerp’s Faculty of Applied Engineering, Prof.
Jan Steckel develops advanced sensor systems that can withstand harsh conditions. “In order to achieve fully autonomous navigation, constant monitoring of the ship’s surroundings is absolutely crucial,” according to Steckel.
“Cameras can be used, of course, but when visibility is poor – due to dust, water sprays, mud, smoke or fog – they don’t work properly.”