Important Innovations

   MIT Zero Emissions Water Taxis to Be Deployed in Amsterdam Source:  MIT C-SAIL Innovative Water Shuttles for Amsterdam Canals From the world famous MIT C-SAIL a team of engineers and roboticists have created the Roboat, a robotic boat that uses the same autonomous, electric self-driving technology for cars but adapted for the water. Their adaptation is extremely innovative and it is soon to be launched as a water taxi service for Amsterdam commuters, pending governmental approvals. Small autonomous electric boat shuttles, spun off from a larger scale version of this innovative technology, are about to cruise on Amsterdam's famous canals to transport people and goods.  This will be the world's first fleet of autonomous water vessels to service a city.  It is a collaboration between MIT and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions that is paving the way for new travel solutions - water transit solutions in congested cities.  MIT Innovation This robotic water

  Roboats Loaded with Tech to Communicate and Connect                                             Source:  MIT C-SAIL In Service, Self-Navigating Amsterdam Canals From the world famous MIT C-SAIL a team of engineers and roboticists created the Roboat, a robotic boat that uses the same autonomous self-driving technology for cars but adapted for the water. That adaptation was extremely innovative.  Roboat II has been under development for five years.  It is now large enough to carry passengers through the tricky canals in Amsterdam. It does so autonomously.  Importantly, the Roboats are capable of communicating and connecting with each other because of greatly advanced control algorithms and navigation systems.  That capability opens up new forms of transportation possibilities on water. Tremendous Tech Layered In The Roboat has four propellers that enable it to move in any direction.  It contains GPS, Lidar and inertial sensors.  At the moment, it is six feet long and can carry two pass

Squad Mobility's Solar Cars to Debut in Europe Source:  Squad Mobility Green, Sustainable Driving Amsterdam-based Squad Mobility has invented a solar powered, 2 seat mini electric car.  Called the Squad Solar City Car, it's getting ready to go on the market in Europe.  The vehicle comes in two versions.  A L6e model can go up to 28 mph.  And, the L7 model can accelerate up to 50 mph.  These electric vehicles are not designed for highway driving.  They're designed for driving city streets and country roads. Roof Top Solar Panels The solar panels are mounted on the roof so charging can be done inexpensively or even for free with sunshine only.  The company is taking pre-orders.  The price is $6,330.  First deliveries will start in late 2021.  The vehicle size is 21.5 square feet.  4 of the EVs can fit into a parking spot designed for a SUV.  The vehicle has seat belts, a roll cage for additional safety, air conditioning and removeable doors.  The company says i

MIT's Roboats Source:  MIT Roboat Test World's First Bridge Composed of Autonomous Boats This is the world's first bridge composed of autonomous boats that disconnect and reassemble into various configurations.  It's the invention of engineers and other scientists at MIT and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions.  The city of Amsterdam has big plans for them in their canals to reduce busy traffic on congested city streets. Amsterdam Deployment Amsterdam wants the roboats to cruise its 165 canals to transport people and goods, collect trash and self-assemble into popup platforms like bridges and stages as needed. The roboats are equipped with sensors, thrusters, GPS modules, cameras, microcontrollers and other hardware.  They are far less expensive and far more versatile than traditional bridges. New Algorithm Upgrade The roboats have just been upgraded with a new control algorithm that enables them to be "shapeshifting", auto