DataSOW research project provides important basis for navigation of autonomous inland vessels
The DataSOW project initiated by TITUS Research for the development of autonomous inland navigation has recently been successfully completed. As part of the project, tests were carried out on the Spree-Oder waterway, collecting extensive data on infrastructure objects along the route. This data was then used to train and optimise an AI module. This provided an important basis for the navigation of autonomously operating inland vessels. The Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport funded the project as part of the mFUND innovation initiative with a total of 42,780 euros over a period of one year.
The use of highly automated or autonomous inland vessels currently still poses major challenges for the industry. One reason for this is the very complex environmental conditions on the waterways, such as the large number of different traffic participants – from rowing boats to container freighters – and the growing traffic density on the waterways. In order to significantly advance the development of autonomous inland vessels, TITUS Research GmbH launched the DataSOW research project in January 2021, which was recently successfully completed.
Test vessel collected data on the Spree-Oder waterway
At the beginning of the project, the TITUS researchers first constructed a sensor platform and equipped it with various camera systems, a LiDAR sensor and various condition and localisation sensors. With the help of this sensor platform installed on a company-owned test boat, it was possible to collect extensive data on the infrastructure objects along the Spree-Oder waterway over the course of the last year. The data collection took place under different light and weather conditions as well as in different vegetation periods. The data was then compiled into a data set.
Based on this data set, an AI module was trained that recognises and classifies the infrastructure components along the Spree-Oder waterway in real time with a probability of almost 90 %. These include, for example, navigation signs, bridges or locks. In addition, a so-called SLAM algorithm (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) was used, a special procedure that enables simultaneous self-localisation and comprehensive mapping of the surroundings.
Important step towards a higher degree of automation for inland vessels
TITUS Managing Director Prof. Dr. Uwe Meinberg was satisfied with the results of the research project: “The developed module is a basic prerequisite for achieving a higher degree of automation for inland vessels. We are pleased that with this project we were able to advance the development towards a fully autonomous use of inland vessels,” said Meinberg.
TITUS Research will continue to research the topic of autonomous inland navigation in the future. Within the framework of further research activities, the aim is to expand the data base. For example, additional sensors will be used to collect new data on previously unrecorded objects such as other road users on the water.
You can find more information about the DataSOW-project here on our website.
About the BMDV’s mFUND funding programme
Within the framework of the mFUND funding programme, the BMDV has been supporting research and development projects related to data-based digital innovations for Mobility 4.0 since 2016. Project funding is supplemented by active professional networking between stakeholders from politics, industry, administration and research and the provision of open data on the mCLOUD portal. Further information can be found at www.mfund.de.
Veröffentlichungsdatum:
- 6. April 2022
Quelle:
TITUS Research GmbH
Bildquelle:
TITUS Research GmbH