- 14 Mar 2002
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Japan extends the term "autonomous vehicles" to watercraft: during a recent test cruise, the Yuki-Hime, a "smart sea bus" operating in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture, made only one minor error when it unnecessarily slowed down and changed course. Captain Yokoyama Kyoji of the 19-ton vessel suggested that a beacon light may have been mistaken for another ship. However, throughout the test, Yokoyama never switched from automated to manual navigation, highlighting significant advancements in maritime self-driving technology.
Yuki-hime, a "smart sea bus" operating in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture (photo credit: Asahi)
The aim is to develop fully autonomous, crewless vessels to address anticipated labour shortages in the industry. Eight Knot Inc., a venture based in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, is conducting trials of its autonomous navigation system on the Yuki-Hime, primarily late at night on weekends, until the end of March. According to company representatives, it is the first self-navigating ship to operate on a regular route in Japan.
Eight Knot, which has also developed an autonomously navigated vessel based on a pleasure boat, has performed similar test operations in Tokyo and Ehime Prefecture. CEO Yujin Kimura, who established the company with engineers in 2021, aimed to apply his expertise in robotics to maritime technology. He noted that while autonomous navigation systems are already in use for sea taxis and marine civil engineering vessels, they also have the potential to serve remote island communities where ferry services are gradually being discontinued.
Yuki-hime, a "smart sea bus" operating in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture (photo credit: Asahi)
The aim is to develop fully autonomous, crewless vessels to address anticipated labour shortages in the industry. Eight Knot Inc., a venture based in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, is conducting trials of its autonomous navigation system on the Yuki-Hime, primarily late at night on weekends, until the end of March. According to company representatives, it is the first self-navigating ship to operate on a regular route in Japan.
Eight Knot, which has also developed an autonomously navigated vessel based on a pleasure boat, has performed similar test operations in Tokyo and Ehime Prefecture. CEO Yujin Kimura, who established the company with engineers in 2021, aimed to apply his expertise in robotics to maritime technology. He noted that while autonomous navigation systems are already in use for sea taxis and marine civil engineering vessels, they also have the potential to serve remote island communities where ferry services are gradually being discontinued.