Roboat is an Amsterdam-based startup (spun off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS)) with the goal of revolutionizing the way inland waterways and vessels operate through the use of automation.
They have created vessels that can sense, navigate and perform tasks on their own, making transportation safer, more efficient, more sustainable and more versatile, and they have just raised €550,000 to help them further their mission. The funding was backed by venture capital firms SHIFT Invest and LUMO Labs.
Roboat's AI-driven systems are designed to navigate the intricacies, busy cities and Netherlands inland waterways, where heavy traffic is a daily challenge. This autonomous system can be integrated into new-build vessels or retrofitted into existing commercial vessels, providing a variety of applications such as passenger transport, cargo transport or waste collection. By utilizing its own technology, Roboat can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of urban logistics.
To automatically determine the sailing path, Roboat uses lidar and cameras to give a 360-degree view. This "perception kit" allows Roboat to understand its surroundings
Roboat is already making waves in Netherlands and Europe. Amsterdam-based public transport company GVB has also started using the Roboat system on the GVB IJveer Canal Ferry, built by the Netherlands shipyards group, which uses a hybrid drivetrain and has a battery capacity of 272 kWh. Roboat technology is used for situational awareness as an "extra eye" to support the ferry captain.
Ynse Hendrik Deinema, CEO and co-founder of Roboat, said: "We are working with multiple customers in the Netherlands and Europe, and in accordance with local regulations, our system can support the captain on the bridge and also have full autonomous control of navigation. ”
The investment, which follows earlier funding from Delft Enterprises, follows an earlier funding from Delft Enterprises, reaffirming Roboat's pace of innovation and limitless potential. Roboat uses advanced technology to create boats that can sense, navigate, and perform tasks autonomously. The system offers a range of functions such as situational awareness, decision support, obstacle recognition and avoidance, automated berthing and mooring, and autonomous navigation. These services are offered on a subscription model and can be tailored to the specific needs of the operator.
Manned version and garbage transport version
Andy Lürling, Founding Partner of LUMO Labs, shared: "Cities around the world are looking for solutions to road congestion and logistics challenges. Water transportation is undoubtedly a green alternative to cars and trucks. However, talent shortages and high operating costs remain bottlenecks. Roboat's technology is exactly what we need for an autonomous driving solution. As we rethink and reimagine the transportation system, this market will see unprecedented growth towards a more versatile and sustainable future. ”