MAYFLOWER 400: FIRST AI SHIP | UPSC EXAM

INTRODUCTION

  • Mayflower 400 is the world’s first AI ship, which was developed by a team of researchers from the maritime research group ProMare in conjunction with IBM,.
  • It is a 15-meter-long, nine-ton unmanned trimaran, is entirely self-contained. The Mayflower 400 will research maritime pollution, follow aquatic animals, and test plastic in the water.

 

WHAT IS MAYFLOWER 400 –

  • The spacecraft is propelled by artificial intelligence and solar panels that harness the sun’s energy. Various countries have donated technology to the project, including India, the United States, and Switzerland. Without the worldwide efforts from these nations, one of IBM’s partners stated that the initiative would have cost ten times more than the $1 million committed by ProMare.
  • The ship is outfitted with artificial intelligence technologies and a smart skipper. Six high-tech cameras and radars have been put on the ship to assist it in learning as it travels. The ship, on the other hand, has yet to perform at its best under the most adverse weather circumstances.
  • Subject to favourable weather conditions, the transatlantic trip of the Mayflower 400 autonomous ship will commence on May 15, 2021. The inaugural launch was intended to commemorate the sailing of the original Mayflower in 1620, which brought pilgrims from England to America in search of a new home.

 

KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE SHIP –

  • The ship is a totally a self-contained vessel. It’s a nine-ton trimaran with a length of 15 metres.
  • It will set sail for the Atlantic on May 15, 2021, with the goal of tracking aquatic animals, analysing plastic in the water, and researching marine pollution.
  • It is fueled by artificial intelligence and solar panels that collect energy from the sun.
  • It was created in conjunction with IBM by the maritime research group ProMare.
  • The ship was built with a $1 million investment from ProMare and worldwide contributions in the form of technology from India, the United States, and Switzerland.
  • The ship, which is equipped with a smart captain, six high-tech cameras, and radars, has been taught using audio data to prevent collisions, adjust course, recognise marine species, and collect information on the aquatic animal population.
  • With a self-activating hydrophone, the ship can also listen to whales.
  • The ship is now being prepared to endure waves up to fifty metres high.
  • Because the Mayflower 400 autonomous ship will be unattended, scientists will have an advantage in investigating the harsh waters.

 

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