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Photos: Self-driving electric water taxis to redefine coastal transport

Orb is designed for urban environments, seamlessly integrating into the city’s transportation network.

Published: Jul 26, 2024 10:38 AM EST

Mrigakshi Dixit

a month ago

Omni Robotic Boat's interior prioritizes passenger comfort with panoramic views.

Seymourpowell

A new robotic boat has been proposed to navigate urban waterways to overcome land traffic woes in congested cities.

UK-based Seymourpowell has unveiled the concept of Omni Robotic Boat (ORB) — a fleet of autonomous electric boats, or simply water taxis for ride-sharing in coastal cities.

It may offer a seamless and sustainable way to travel on water. Commuters will be able to go to work or explore the city by water, without the hassle of traffic congestion.

The ORB idea was spared by the contrast between London’s congested roads and the Thames River’s free flow. As per Fast Company, Seymourpowell is known for its diverse design portfolio spanning from train interiors to consumer products like deodorant cans.

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It will use hydrofoils
Orb glides effortlessly on hydrofoils, navigating around larger boats found in modern waterways. A hydrofoil is essentially an underwater wing. As a boat equipped with hydrofoils gains speed, these submerged wings generate lift, lifting the boat's hull clear of the water. This reduces drag, allowing the vessel to glide smoothly and efficiently across the water's surface. The concept provides convenient transportation without the need for extensive docks or terminals typically required by ferries.
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Ride-sharing services in coastal cities
ORB plans to utilize city canals and waterways for a ride-sharing service, providing transportation between harbors and across coastlines. Seymourpowell hopes to put a fleet of driverless electric hydrofoil boats providing ride-sharing services in coastal cities like London, Sydney, Venice, Hong Kong, and Miami.
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Panoramic views
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking scenery while traveling in style. The ORB's interior prioritizes passenger comfort with panoramic views. Its spherical design creates a roomy environment, allowing passengers to stand and move freely. With circular seating facing the large windows, each passenger has an unobstructed view. It is expected to accommodate around seven to eight passengers.
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Onboard screens with real-time information
ORB features airplane-style seating with charging ports on the armrests for passengers' devices. Under the huge windows, real-time information on stops, destinations, and arrival times is displayed. Moreover, the boat will display passenger names on onboard screens for personalized greetings and seating. A dedicated booking app is likely to be developed. Once the journey ends, the boat docks at its designated port ready for the next passengers.
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Advance tech to be installed
Modular docks, designed to be easily assembled and expanded, will be part of the system. This podlike watercraft will be charged at dedicated docking stations, with solar panels providing additional power for extended journeys. Sensor and camera technologies will also be integrated into these advanced boats.
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Best for short trips
Passengers can ditch the bus or subway for a flexible Orb ride, selecting their destination from various stations and enjoying a direct water route. Autonomous boats can efficiently handle short trips across city waterways. Reportedly, self-driving water taxis have already been launched in Helsinki, Finland, offering short trips to nearby islands. Orb could be the future of water transportation, offering a sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable way to navigate our cities.