The robotic revolution is knocking on the doors of South Korea’s seaports as Avikus, a top-tier leader in autonomous navigation technology and an affiliate of HD Hyundai, seals a groundbreaking deal to pioneer autonomous water taxis in the bustling city of Busan. Set to make waves in 2025, this ground-breaking venture is an illustrious collaboration between the City of Busan, Korea Marine Consulting, Project Management Company, and tech guru Avikus.
Navigating the High-Tech Seascape
As per the futuristic blueprint, four high-tech, six-seat water taxis will ride the marine waves within a nine-mile radius in Busan’s vibrant downtown. The underlying tech propelling these taxis will be Avikus’ NeuBoat and NeuBoat Dock technology, which is currently in the pipeline for integration into the leisure boat market.
Enthralling stakeholders further, Avikus also revealed its self-sailing navigation system specifically tailored for commercial merchant vessels, aptly named HiNas. Avikus plans to unveil a recreational spin-off of HiNas, making this a landmark year for the company’s portfolio.
An Unprecedented Leap in Navigation
Avikus CEO, Lim Do-hyeong, emphasizes, “NeuBoat applies artificial intelligence in real time to steer water taxis. It fine-tunes routes, evades obstacles autonomously, and greatly amplifies the safety and user-friendliness of the water taxi service.” The company aspires to substantiate the safety, feasibility, and expansion potential of these autonomous water taxis through ongoing collaboration with Busan City.
Busan’s Eco-Friendly Maritime Vision
This initiative is a significant leap for Busan in its quest since 2021 to premiere an eco-conscious water taxi service, jointly with KMCP, a local environ-friendly leisure boat manufacturer. The endeavor highlights Busan’s ambition to polish its eco-friendly reputation and capitalize on its tourism appeal.
In this partnership, Avikus will equip the water taxis with bespoke autonomous navigation solutions. KMCP, taking the helm of the water taxi operations, will offer an eco-friendly maritime taxi platform. The City of Busan will provide indispensable operational and promotional support.
En Route to a Tech-Inspired Maritime Future
Avikus is no stranger to practical demonstrations of its groundbreaking autonomous navigation systems, which it aims to integrate into merchant vessels. A cross-Pacific voyage of a gas carrier powered by Avikus’ technology is already attached to the firm’s laurels. The company hints at the potential application of its tech aboard over 300 vessels, suggesting a brighter future for global maritime travel.
Adding to this, in nearby Stockholm, a trailblazing autonomous ferry service recently debuted. This 39-foot wonder is designed to carry two dozen passengers across the harbor in a 15-minute journey, with a sophisticated navigation system that includes radar, LiDAR, infrared cameras, ultrasonic docking sensors, and GPS positioning.
As these technological advancements unfurl, we read the signs pointing toward a future where technology and seafaring intertwine in the dance of progress, creating safer, smarter, and more environmentally-friendly ways to navigate our world’s waterways.
