AMSTERDAM — In a collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) is currently developing autonomous boats. <br /> <br />Roboat is the first large-scale research project that will put self-driving boats on water as early as 2017. <br /> <br />The first prototype, a flatbed, six-by-six-foot design was created for basic transportation of people and goods through Amsterdam’s many canals. <br /> <br />The flatbed boats can also be utilized as on-demand bridges or water stages, easily assembled within hours to relieve traffic congestion. <br /> <br />Researchers are also looking at other designs that could assist in underwater research, detecting waterborne diseases at an early stage. <br /> <br />The Roboats also have potential to help clean canal waters by picking up floating debris or waste. <br /> <br />The project is currently being backed with $27 million and researchers are hoping the autonomous boats can be utilized in cities across the world.
