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Avikus, an HD Hyundai subsidiary, is propelling into the future of marine transportation with its autonomous water taxis in Busan, South Korea. Following a recent partnership with local marine R&D company KMCP, Avikus will launch four AI-operated boats in 2025, using proprietary technologies designed for large and small leisure boats.
Avikus said that the water taxis were fitted with autonomous navigation solutions that were developed in-house. The company will apply its own solution to water taxis that will navigate between the sea and the city center.
The Korea Economic Daily reported that Avikus confirmed on Thursday, July 20, that it has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KMCP Co. Ltd. This Busan-based marine R&D company makes marine leisure equipment like boats, yachts, and custom ships.
KMCP is also a marine taxi contractor that operates in Busan Metropolitan City. It is planning to launch four boat taxis in 2025, and apparently, the watercraft will be made in partnership with Avikus which will provide its autonomous navigation technology.
Avikus and KMCP agreed that the former would install its solutions called the "NeuBoat Navi" and "NeuBoat Dock" to its water taxis. The NeuBoat is said to be the world's first autonomous leisure boat solution, and Avikus created it for small leisure boats after developing HINAS, a similar solution but designed for large vessels.
"NeuBoat utilizes artificial intelligence technology to provide real-time guidance for water taxis, optimizing their routes and automatically avoiding obstacles, thus significantly enhancing the safety and convenience of the water taxi service," Marine Link quoted Lim Do Hyeong, the chief executive officer of Avikus, as saying in a statement. "Through continuous collaboration with Busan City, we aim to verify the safety and viability of autonomous water taxis and expand their presence."
Finally, the Avikus chief said the company is also planning to further expand the reach of its self-sailing water taxis through a steady partnership with the Busan Metropolitan City government. It will also start the commercialization of its NeuBoat by joining major boat shows in Europe and the United States in the second half of this year.
