Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, CEO: Yujin Kimura, henceforth "Our Company") has successfully implemented the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN" autonomous navigation platform (hereafter "AI CAPTAIN") in a sea taxi specifically designed for cyclists, managed by WAKKA Inc. (Headquarters: Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, CEO: Arashi Murakami, henceforth "WAKKA"). WAKKA operates the integrated tourism facility on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido. This occasion marks the second deployment of our technology aboard non-company vessels, notably being the inaugural instance for a tourism-dedicated ship. By offering select functionalities permissible within the bounds of existing legislation as "automatic piloting assist features," we aim to address the challenges maritime business operators face and foster new business opportunities.
■Background to the Introduction
During the fiscal year 2022, Eight Knot Inc. was selected to participate in the Ehime Prefecture's Digital Implementation Acceleration Project, "Triangle Ehime." Within this framework, we initiated a project where we leased our autonomous, small, electric (EV) boats to WAKKA for their use as sea taxis. The autonomous navigation systems of these boats operated flawlessly. Yet, we encountered specific challenges, such as the EV boats' limited power output not being sufficient to handle the strong currents around Omishima and the restricted battery capacity leading to a constrained range of navigable routes. This project received positive feedback, and consequently, we were selected again for the initiative in the fiscal year 2023. This led to the implementation of our autonomous navigation system in a sea taxi, specifically designed for cyclists and powered by an engine, owned by WAKKA. This technology allows the boat to navigate safely even in low-light conditions, facilitating the introduction of a new service offering: the Sunset Cruise, alongside the standard sea taxi services. Additionally, we hosted a showcase and trial ride event for this vessel on February 27th (Tuesday) and 28th (Wednesday), 2024, in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
■Comments from Arashi Murakami, CEO of WAKKA Inc.:
WAKKA Inc. CEO Arashi Murakami
Operating the autonomous navigation system using a monitor
-The current challenges include the reduction or discontinuation of ferry services to isolated islands, primarily due to labor shortages and the scarcity of successors. Autonomous navigation technology offers a solution to mitigate these issues, at least in part.
-With autonomous navigation technology, a ship can autonomously maintain its course and direction, thereby expanding the capabilities of a single captain. For instance, the technology enables the ship to autonomously navigate, allowing the captain to undertake additional tasks such as serving drinks or anchoring at precise locations for fishing activities.
■Scenes from the unveiling ceremony and ride experience event
Held on February 27 (Tuesday) and 28 (Wednesday), 2024, at the facilities of WAKKA Inc. in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, it was attended by media personnel, maritime operators, local government officials, and others from within Ehime Prefecture and beyond.
Scenes from the ride experience event
Presentation at the venue
◯Participant Comments:
-The experience was nearly indistinguishable from being piloted by a human, with minimal discomfort.
-The mere presence of autonomous navigation technology in a ship is intriguing.
-Autonomous navigation in ships, once thought to be a concept for the far future, now seems within reach.
-The visual display of obstacles detected by sensors onscreen enhances safety by providing a reassuring layer of security.
-The advancement of technology to this point is astonishing. I eagerly anticipate its continued growth within the maritime sector.
-The implementation of this technology on an engine-powered boat opens up the possibility of adopting it for our fleet.
■About Eight Knot Inc.
Eight Knot, a consortium of experts in robotics and AI, specializes in the development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels. Our mission is to drive digital transformation and automation in the maritime sector, providing innovative solutions to address pressing societal issues. Our goal is to enhance accessibility in water transportation by leveraging autonomous navigation technology. This enables us to provide crew support, improve vessel safety, and optimize operating costs. Our vision is to pave the way for a new era of maritime operations, where automation and safety are not mutually exclusive, but collaboratively lead to improved efficiency and sustainability.
Company Information
Company Name: Eight Knot Inc.
Established: March 8, 2021
Officers: Representative Director CEO Yujin Kimura, Director CTO Tomoaki Yokoyama, External Director Kazutaka Yomogita
Head Office : Room 313, S-Cube Main Building, 130-42 Nagasone-cho, Kita Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture 591-8025
Tokyo Office : Center of Garage, 1-16-3, Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0003
Hiroshima Office : Room 405, HIOS HIROSHIMA, 7-1 Hatchōbori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0013
Business Content: Development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels, development of on-demand water transportation systems.
Website: https://8kt.jp/en
Twitter: @8ktjp
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/8ktjp
LinkedIn：https://www.linkedin.com/company/8kt/