The Mayflower AI sea drone was named after the early 17th century sailing ship Mayflower.
Mayflower Autonomous Ship inside Plymouth Sound

Mayflower AI sea drone, or Mayflower Autonomous Ship, or Mayflower 400 (MAS400) is an autonomous research vessel that aims to cross the Atlantic without human crew or assistance. It is named after the Mayflower sailing ship, that carried English and Dutch Pilgrims onboard from England to New England between September and November 1620. Taking the same route, it was originally intended to set sail in September 2020 in time for the 400th anniversary.[1][2]

A three-week voyage is planned; the Mayflower 400 will sail from Plymouth UK, navigate through the Isles of Scilly and over the site of the sunken Titanic to land in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Mayflower Autonomous Ship has a highly trained “captain” and a “navigator” knowledgeable in the rules of avoiding collisions at sea. Both functions are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI).[3]

MAS400 began its first transatlantic attempt on June 15.[4][5] Only three days later, the autonomous ship had to return to England after suffering mechanical problems.[6]

The Mayflower's second attempt began April 27, 2022, departing from England bound for Virginia.[7] After about one month at sea, the vehicle "developed an issue with the charging circuit for the generator starter batteries." The decision was made to switch to backup navigation and divert to Halifax, Nova Scotia.[8]

The 15-meter long aluminum trimaran is solar-powered and is capable of speeds of up to 10 knots (20 km/h). It has a back up diesel generator. The ship cost $1.3 million to build and is owned by the not for profit marine research organization ProMare in partnership with computer-tech company IBM.[9][10]

The ship will sample the water for pollutants and study marine life during its voyage. It will also trial its computer systems.

References

  1. ^ Denise Chow (19 October 2020). "Robotic 'Mayflower' to cross the Atlantic on 400th anniversary of Pilgrims' journey". NBC News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  2. ^ Rachel Jewett (28 May 2021). "Iridium and Thales Chosen to Connect the Mayflower Autonomous Ship". Satellite Today. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Robotic ship sets off to retrace the Mayflower's journey". The Independent. 2021-06-15. Archived from the original on 2022-05-12. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  4. ^ "IBM's autonomous Mayflower ship sets sail across the Atlantic sans crew". New Atlas. 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  5. ^ Divis, Dee Ann. "Mayflower AI sea drone readies maiden transatlantic voyage". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  6. ^ "AI-powered Mayflower, beset with glitch, returns to England". AP NEWS. 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  7. ^ "Autonomous Mayflower reaches American shores -- in Canada". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  8. ^ "Mayflower Autonomous Ship Diverts After Second Mechanical Failure". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  9. ^ "New Robot 'Mayflower' Ship Begins Voyage Recreating Original Route | Voice of America - English". www.voanews.com. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  10. ^ "AI-driven robot Mayflower begins Atlantic voyage". BBC News. 2021-06-16. Retrieved 2021-06-17.

External links

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