Amsterdam to unleash self-driving boats

2017年3月14日

Expert

 
In 2017, the product of a $27 million partnership between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) will head for the waterways in Amsterdam — self-driving boats called “Roboats.” This leading edge will be a solution to public transport through water , and if it induces a favorable outcome, it will soon be launched not only in the Dutch capital, but also around the world. Dr. Stephan van Djk, the research program manager at AMS, says that they will try to shift the transport of goods and people to the waterways to ‘get people out of their cars and reduce traffic in the city.’

Roboats operate with sensors that scan the environment and build a three-dimensional model according to Professor Carlo Ratti, Director of the MIT Senseable City Lab. “The key difference is our sensors need to look not only at the surface bust also what is happening under the water, “ he adds. Despite the launch of the prototype in 2017, the project is expected to last five years on account of the continuous development to make sure the system is safe. With several companies attempting to create new designs, the field of autonomous vessels is likely to expand.
 
Vocabulary:
leading edge – the most important or advanced area of activity in a particular field
induce – to cause the formation of
favorable – to the advantage of someone or something.
vessel – a ship or large boat.
autonomous – acting independently or having the freedom to do so
 
True or False:

  1. The self-driving boats are called “Automatic Bots.”
  2. The boats will be launched in 2018 in Amsterdam.
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) will head for the waterways in Amsterdam partnered in developing the new system.
  4. The project is expected to last up to ten years.

 
Express your opinion:

  1. Should the waterways be fully accessible as one of the means of transportation?
  2. Is the development of a new system beneficial to everyone?

 
Defend your argument:

  1. Should robots replace the traditional transport system operated by humans?
  2. What other things do you think should be improved to have a better transport system?