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.
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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