A superyacht optimized with artificial intelligence in every system

DLBA has selected a 58m superyacht concept to develop internally as an autonomous yacht. The result, TEMPO, will be a study in all vessel systems where artificial intelligence can be used to enhance an owner’s experience onboard. The name of the concept is tied to the uptick in operational tempo that the AI will make possible through enhanced reliability and operational availability, meaning that owners and guest will be able to spend more quality time onboard enjoying all that yachting can offer.

There are three main areas where autonomous technology can be brought to bear in the maritime world – navigational autonomy, equipment health monitoring, and mechanical and electrical systems automation. DLBA’s vision is to deliver best-in-class autonomous vessels as the industry-leading vessel designer and autonomy integrator, and it’s expected that, through this process, questions which are already being raised on autonomy will be answered to move this field forward.

Taken alone, any of the three branches of navigation autonomy, equipment health monitoring, and mechanical and electrical system automation can have a profound effect on the operation of a yacht; when designed into the vessel from its conception, that effect can be groundbreaking with respect to maximizing availability and minimizing operational and maintenance costs.

The company’s prior experience with autonomous vessel research and development programs means it’s well-placed to understand the challenges and limitations of this field and has seen it partner with traditional and non-traditional technology providers to push automation for the best

results.

This allows the company agility as it integrates continually-evolving autonomous technology into the concept yacht, the exterior design of which was provided by SDG; and it’s looking forward to working with visionary vessel owners seeking to benefit from autonomy themselves.

Navigation Autonomy

Navigation autonomy relieves the workload on the vessel operator, and unmanned vessels have been operating in the commercial and military space for years. Autonomous navigation systems create an electronic world model, fusing data from onboard sensors, and information sources like GPS, radar, AIS, electronic charts, weather information systems and video cameras to safely navigate both highly-congested areas and open seas.

The operator is left to maintain a presence while the autonomous navigation system guides the vessel. The reduced level of focus required in this area results in higher situational awareness. The benefits to this include a reduced risk of collision and grounding, avoidance of heavy weather, optimization of fuel consumption and lower operator workload.