Marine tech news is always at its peak, with new products and technologies introduced on a regular basis. Although the industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, there are several trends that have become particularly prominent in recent years. The marine industry is increasingly focused on innovation, with more startups and large companies investing in the field. Many of these innovations come from the different industries that surround it: from robotics to artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond. Here’s our roundup of the most interesting tech news in the marine industry:
AI Helps Boats Drive and Learn
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to help drive boats. AI can learn how to drive a boat over time and eventually become so proficient that it can operate the boat without human input. AI can also help manage the boat’s operations, like monitoring fuel levels and weather conditions. Advanced AI can also be used to help launch and train AI-driven decision-making processes, such as steering a boat. AI can also be used to help boats learn more quickly.
AI can scan data to find the best way to use equipment, like sensors, generators, and engines, so that the boat can maximize efficiency. Over time, AI can help a boat learn how to operate more efficiently using less fuel and fewer resources. With increased demand on marine transportation, this kind of learning is particularly important for vessels.
Robotics Emerges as a Dominant Force in MRO
Robotics is quickly gaining traction in the marine industry as a dominant force in the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) market. Companies are investing heavily in robotics as a way to reduce costs and boost efficiency. Robotic solutions have the potential to completely replace human workers. Robots can be trained to perform work that humans can’t, like performing inspections and repairs on vessels. That means fewer human workers needed, resulting in reduced costs for the operator. One key area where robotics are finding a strong foothold is in the inspection and repair of vessels. Robots can be programmed to perform inspections, using sensors to locate problems and carrying out repairs automatically.
As more sensors become available, they can be used to program robots to inspect and manage vessels’ operation more efficiently. Robots can also be used to manage the operation of a vessel’s equipment, like engines and generators. Robots can monitor equipment to detect issues, such as overheating or worn parts, automatically ordering repairs. That allows operators to spend less time maintaining their ships, increasing their productivity.
3D Printing is On the Rise for R&D
The growing popularity of 3D printing is driving demand for both R&D and new products. 3D printing is already used for creating prototype parts and models, with even larger machines being used for large-scale production. One of the most interesting long-term trends in marine tech is the growth of 3D printing for research and development. In particular, the demand for advanced materials plastics, composites, metals is driving this growth for new products and new materials.
New materials that can be created through 3D printing are particularly attractive for the marine industry, with the growing demand for recycled materials and reduced costs as a key factor. Current technology uses 3D printing to create prototypes. At that stage, materials aren’t an issue. As the technology evolves, companies are using 3D printing to create large parts. Some are testing the use of 3D printing to create finished products. That could result in a significant shift in the way products are developed. That could be particularly important for the marine industry, where new products and materials are essential.
Blockchain Takes Hold in Shipping
Blockchain technology is taking hold in shipping after first finding success in the energy and commodities markets. New startups are looking to use blockchain as a way to reduce the risks and costs of shipping. Blockchain tech has the potential to completely overhaul the shipping industry, replacing the current system where a single company owns the shipping route with a decentralized system that every shipowner is on the same page. That could lead to a significant reduction in transaction costs, with fewer fees on shipping routes, increased transparency, and safety.
The most common use case for blockchain in shipping is for shipping bulk cargo. That’s because the information required for that type of shipment is the most difficult to verify. Even so, the use of blockchain for shipping bulk cargo is far from widespread. Shipping containers also offer a good testing ground for blockchain technology.
That’s because the information required to verify the shipment the type of shipment, the content, the origin and destination is relatively straightforward. That’s particularly important for a shipping container, as it’s the one piece of equipment that can serve multiple purposes in the shipping industry, from transporting cargo to storing it on the ship.
The Future Holds for Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things technology has been a mainstay of the marine industry for years, but it has been particularly hotbed for new innovation in 2019. As a result of growing interest and investment, the marine industry is expected to see a significant number of new devices come online in 2019. One of the areas that has seen significant interest is the use of IoT devices to monitor the condition of vessels. That’s particularly important as the industry moves to autonomous vessels, where the condition of the vessel is essential to the safe operation of the vessel.
Interest in devices that monitor engine performance has increased as the industry looks to reduce fuel costs. New engines designed to run on renewable energy sources, such as wave and solar power, need to produce less fuel. That can result in significant cost savings with an IoT engine monitoring device.
Bottom line
The marine industry is always at the forefront of technological innovation, and this year was no exception. New products, technologies, and processes were introduced, and the industry is expected to see even more innovation in the coming years.
