An autonomous ship will cross the Atlantic -
Geeko
The Mayflower is a world famous name in the boating industry.
In addition to a famous merchant vessel carrying the first settlers to the future United States, it is also an autonomous ship.
Like its illustrious predecessor, it will tackle the deep and tumultuous waters of the Atlantic.
The initial idea was to make this crossing on September 16, 2020, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary to the day of the departure of the colonists to the New World.
The journey was to be much the same, with a departure from England to Cape Cod, between Boston and New York.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus crisis has passed this way, with the consequences of major upheavals, especially on the Mayflower agenda.
The maiden voyage is finally postponed to April 2021, a postponement of seven months.
Before embarking on the high seas, the ship will have to pass a series of tests to ensure its compliance and the safety of the announced journey.
AI at the helm
Besides the commemoration aspect behind the trip, the interest is obviously scientific.
Indeed, the Mayflower will be entirely driven by artificial intelligence designed by IBM.
Captain Watson, that's his name, will have to decide on the best route to follow depending on a whole series of parameters: weather, currents, circuits of merchant ships,… Several sensors, such as a radar and a positioning system for other ships , will come to help him in his crossing.
Human supervision will nevertheless be present on the ship.
The Mayflower is also intended to observe the seabed and biodiversity.
He will regularly observe the fauna, but will also carry out several analyzes of the sea water, in particular by looking for the presence of microplastics.
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