Helsinki-listed marine technology firm ABB has unveiled a new situation awareness tool that it sees as the next step towards remote controlled shipping, and then autonomous operations.
Called the Ability Marine Pilot Vision, ABB claims it takes advantage of the latest advances in sensor technology and computer vision to offer multiple real-time visualizations of a vessel’s surroundings and new ways of perceiving its situation.
In a statement ABB said: “A virtual model of the ship is superimposed on real surroundings, making it possible to see the operation from a third person’s perspective. The officer can switch between views instantaneously, making it easier to predict vessel motions and be alert to previously hidden obstacles or collision risks. The resulting improvement in situational awareness has significant benefits for safety and operational efficiency.”
