Automating recordable, explainable COLREGS advice

A decision aid focused on efficient resolution of shipping situations on passage, VOYAGER AI 100 SmartPilot alerts the bridge team to developing situations and offers manoeuvring recommendations. It is integrated with the vessel’s Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) System, Radar and AIS.

The Master of the vessel can set the operating parameters of Voyager 100 to take account of the prevailing circumstances and conditions, including navigational hazards, density of traffic, the prevailing weather conditions and any specific vessel circumstances in real time.

Robosys claims that the system is able to reduce the risk of collision by reducing the cognitive burden on watch-keepers and operators. Unlike human operators, opines Robosys, the system is ‘always on watch and always alert.’

The company’s description of the product is careful in its use of phrases such as ‘Navigation Advice’ and ‘Decision Aid Support, a reinforcement of the distance that the legal aspects of the collision regulations (COLREGS) aspects of vessel autonomy are falling behind the technological capabilities.

UK-headquartered Robosys is a leading developer of autonomous marine control systems; autonomous navigation and collision avoidance, dynamic route optimisation, advanced perception and classification systems, propulsion, machinery and helm control systems for government and commercial vessels and workboats.