Small, self-navigating boats may soon ferry around passengers and cargo on Amsterdam's famed canals, with a prototype scheduled to hit the water next year.
It was only a matter of time before self-driving vehicles moved to the water. As James Vincent of The Verge reports, a collaboration between MIT and two Dutch universities is working on developing the autonomous vehicles as part of a five year research initiative from the Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan Solutions (AMS). The floating vehicles will be capable of navigating the city's canals, carrying both passengers and freight. The Roboats can also be linked together to create impromptu bridges across the water.
...the Roboat project will also explore the creation of data-gathering robots to help with public health issues. This will build upon work done by MIT's Underworlds Initiative, which wants to put sensors in sewer systems to watch the ebb and flow of disease.
AMS's investment in the project may result in commercial benefits if other cities see value in the project. The first prototype Roboat may be on the water by 2017.
FULL STORY: Self-driving boats will be tested on Amsterdam's canals next year
A New Approach to Flood Control Makes 'Room for the River'
A radical approach to flood control in the Netherlands will expand the flood plain of the River Waal while also creating new neighborhoods where people can live and work.
California Approves Waymo Driverless Taxis
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles can begin picking up passengers in Los Angeles and San Francisco in spite of opposition from local officials.
An Approach for Managing the Risks of Autonomous Cars
As ‘robotaxis’ and other autonomous vehicles make their way onto American streets, cities can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and balance the benefits and challenges of new technology.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
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