Low bandwidth video streaming technology from Videosoft has been selected and installed on the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) to help relay footage of the ship’s various missions back to humans on land. The MAS will trace the route of the famous 1620 Mayflower on its maiden voyage this spring, sailing from Plymouth, UK to Plymouth, MA. This time, however, there will be no physical captain or crew on board as the 15m, lightweight, hybrid-electric powered trimaran crosses the Atlantic.
“The ability to receive live video feed from the ship using minimal communication bandwidth is a game changer for us,” said Don Scott, Chief Technology Officer of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship. “Videosoft provides real-time telepresence allowing us to reliably monitor the live situation and give us confidence in the vehicle’s operation at sea. It has already been an invaluable tool during sea trials and we look forward to having the live feed during the voyage itself.”
Videosoft’s technology will help capture footage from the Mayflower’s six onboard cameras at sea. Using satellite connectivity and compression technologies, footage will be transmitted back to AI developers and research scientists providing real-time feedback and visuals during the mission. The international grassroots project is led by marine research organisation ProMare alongside IBM, which is acting as both lead technology partner and lead scientific partner, with other key design and construction partners including MSUBs, Aluship and MarineAI.
With an AI Captain at the helm, MAS is able to operate for long distances and durations at sea collecting critical data about the ocean. Powered by IBM’s computer vision, automation and machine learning technologies, the AI Captain maintains constant situational awareness and makes decisions about what to do next in line with collision regulations.
Videosoft’s Chief Executive Officer Stewart McCone said: “This project is designed to transform humanity’s relationship with the ocean. To say we’re totally thrilled to be involved in the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project would be an understatement. By working alongside innovative and specialist companies who are experts in their field and have an intimate knowledge of what they are doing, Videosoft is enabling the ambitions of this multi-million-pound project.
“Streaming live video from ocean-going vessels is not straightforward, and you really need to know what you’re doing to pull it off successfully. An intelligent transmission protocol is required to maintain connectivity. In addition to switching between satellite and cellular networks, variable signal strength, the topography of network masts, atmospheric conditions, satellite capabilities, speed, and variables all impact the available bandwidth.”
