Bureau Veritas has published a white paper that describes different levels of automation based on two key factors: level of automation and level of control.
Specifically, the level of automation refers to the level of decision-making (authority) that humans delegate to the system. This is a way to differentiate between the human role and the system role since systems perform different functions.
What Is An Autonomous Ship?
BV, “autonomous vessel” is a broad term. A vessel may be equipped with one or more autonomous features. Some can be controlled remotely from shore, while others are completely autonomous. Fully autonomous ships will be able to perform daily tasks using automated systems without human intervention. There are very few such ships left today, and for most, autonomy is only a matter of degree. Autonomous navigation is still in its infancy, but as the maritime world becomes more digital and connected, shipowners need to understand the potential benefits.
What Are The Advantages Of Autonomous Ships?
The main benefit of autonomous ships is increased safety, simply due to the reduced source of human error. Higher automation and improved decision support will tend to lead to smaller crews operating smarter ships and safer ships. There are areas where this technology can prove more accurate than human senses, such as object recognition based on sensor fusion rather than traditional lookout. However, as the systems that support ship operations become increasingly automated, ships will continue to have crew members on board.
What Is The Difference Between Autonomy And Automation?
BV stresses that the concept of autonomy includes different degrees of autonomy and that the shipping industry has not yet agreed on a framework for defining this autonomy. The Bureau’s Veritas determines autonomy based on two factors: the level of automation and the level of control. The level of automation refers to the level of decision-making (authority) that humans delegate to the system. This is a way to differentiate between the human role and the system role since systems perform different functions. At high levels of automation, the effects of system errors predominate, while at low levels, the effects of human errors predominate, reaching 81.1%. BV identifies four levels of automation in the NI 641 guidelines for autonomous navigation.
What Types Of Autonomous Navigation Ships Already Exist?
As discussed, autonomous navigation has been of particular interest to naval ships. There are also unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that use this technology, such as small hydrographic survey vessels. Fully autonomous ships are now being replaced by intelligent ships with automated systems that can be temporarily controlled remotely from shore.
