Following the success of the RAISA Robot and intelligent Car (i-Car), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember proceeds to make another breakthrough by launching an autonomous, intelligent boat or i-Boat.
Officially launched by ITS chancellor, Prof. Mochamad Ashari, the i-Boat is a combination of two prominent technologies- the artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT).
The i-Boat is projected to be very resourceful in solving numerous problems in Indonesia. As we all know that Indonesia as a maritime country with very large water areas that require strong navy and marine vehicles. Following these needs, i-Boat intends to fulfill the functions needed in the maritime aspect at this time, especially for humans, such as rescuing, fulfilling logistics on islands that need assistance, and defense and security functions.
The Manager of the maritime research, Ir. Tri Achmadi Ph.D., explained that if there are any drowning victims, the camera and autonomous system will immediately be able to detect and approach the victim automatically.
“If there is an internet connection in the operational area, users can use this i-Boat through the user interface application, both web-based and operating via an android gadget (smart-phone),” continued the manager.
Based on the operator’s order, Tri Achmadi continued, i-Boat will sail to the desired coordinate target. I-Boat also has the advantage of being resistant to waves and can withstand all weather.
In the next stage of research development, i-Boat will have features in the form of summons and determination of destination coordinates that can be carried out for a wider marine area. With these various sensors, the i-Boat smart ship will have the ability to accelerate, navigate, and detect environmental conditions, including the ability to avoid obstacles and carry out movements, autonomously.
“Even when approaching the victim who is going to be rescued, this ship will slow down its speed to maintain the safety of the victim,” said the manager that is also a lecturer at the Department of Marine Transportation Engineering.
Among the distinguished guests who are attended the soft-launching program were Ir. Budi Karya Sumadi, the Minister of Transportation, and Dr. Emil Dardak as the Vice Governor of East Java Province.