Starts joint R&D on integrated navigation support system using AI

As a part of an initiative to expedite implementation of autonomous ships, Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) have entered into a joint R&D agreement with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" LINE) and YDK Technologies Co., Ltd. (YDK) to develop an integrated navigation support system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies for assisting maneuvering in making safety maneuvering decisions.

This joint R&D project aims to develop a system that will prevent serious maritime accidents such as ship collisions and groundings and that will lead to autonomous ship operations by combining JRC marine equipment's knowledge and advanced radio technology developed over many years, "K" LINE's maneuvering knowledge and experience in safe ship operation, and YDK's steering and propulsion control technology.

This system is expected to meet Degree 1 of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard for development stages of autonomous ships and is an initiative to follow the global trend of the development of autonomous ships and further expedite the project.

An overview of this initiative and the joint R&D system is shown below. The aim is to develop a comprehensive system that will further improve the safety of ship operations by utilizing the knowledge and technologies of the joint R&D partners in each process from situation awareness by the seafarer to maneuvering control of the ship, combined with the most advanced technologies.

Starting from April 2023, demonstration at sea will be conducted on various ship types and routes, both domestic and international, with the aim of full-scale commercial implementation in the future. JRC, "K" LINE, and YDK will continue to develop the system to further improve the safety of ship operations by providing more advanced support and reducing the burden on seafarers and to assist in implementing autonomous ships.