IBM’s AI-powered Mayflower ship crosses the Atlantic

IBM has developed a revolutionary AI-powered vessel called the Mayflower, which recently completed a transatlantic journey, although not without its challenges. The Mayflower, a crewless ship measuring 50 feet, relies on AI and edge computing to navigate the unpredictable and often treacherous oceans. It aimed to replicate the historic voyage of the original Mayflower that transported the Pilgrims from Plymouth, UK, to Massachusetts, US in 1620. However, technical issues hindered its progress. Initially scheduled for launch in June 2021, the vessel had to return to Plymouth due to technical glitches. In April 2022, the Mayflower embarked on its journey again but encountered generator problems, diverting to the Azores Islands in Portugal. Despite subsequent issues with the generator’s starter batteries in late May, the ship altered its course and reached Halifax, Nova Scotia, where it is currently docked. Despite mechanical shortcomings, IBM highlights the flawless performance of the ship’s autonomous systems, including the AI captain developed by MarineAI. While the AI systems excel at navigation and reporting mechanical problems, they are not equipped to perform physical repairs. Nevertheless, the successful oceanic navigation of the Mayflower by its autonomous systems is considered a remarkable accomplishment. According to Robert High, VP and CTO of Edge Computing at IBM, the ship relies on sophisticated software, utilizing AI to detect and identify various obstacles and objects in the water, such as other ships, debris, land formations, and marine life.