Volvo has developed a motor yacht with a "self-docking" system. That means the yacht can dock independently. The demonstration of the so-called Volvo Penta was recently in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The unveiling of the ground-breaking self-docking yacht technology is the latest development in Volvo Penta's ongoing 'Easy Boating' philosophy to make boating simple, fun and accessible to more people. Central to this is the joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), a complete and integrated propulsion system - from the steering station, through the engine, all the way to the propellers.
Narrow berths, changing wind and sea conditions and busy marinas will be much less of a challenge while docking with the IPS system, thanks to the responsiveness of the Volvo Penta IPS system, which is linked to sensors and has an advanced and precise navigation system. And just as the system helps to get the boat into the dock easily and safely, it can also enable safe automated starting from the dock.
Prototypes of Volvo Penta's self-docking technology are currently being tested. The automated docking capabilities come from the built-in electronic vessel control system (EVC), which calculates steering and propulsion calculations in relation to the boat's actual position and four sensors at the planned berth.
Simple docking
"Docking is one of the most challenging manoeuvres in boat driving - taking wrong action can end up being costly," says Björn Ingemanson, President of Volvo Penta. "Our IPS system has already made great progress in simplifying docking and this new self-docking feature takes that process one important step further. The sensors and on-board computers react in milliseconds to changing wind and sea conditions and constantly make micro-adjustments to the IPS drive's power and steering angle to guide the boat on its intended course to a safe berth. If necessary, the docking process can be paused and the system will keep the boat stationary in the water. Even with changing sea conditions, the sea can appear to stand still. "
How it works
Automating the docking process involves three different phases. First, as the boat approaches its berth, the system recognises that it has entered a 'catch zone' and sends a signal to the captain that it is ready to dock. Once the captain has activated the self-dock function, the boat is then automatically moved (using GPS) into a 'ready to dock' position. After the captain initiates the final stage, the system uses a combination of GPS and sensors-both those mounted on board and additional sensors installed on the destination dock-to automatically move the boat into a safe berth.
"We have long had the ambition to make docking as easy as possible," says Johan Inden, chief technology officer at Volvo Penta. "The first step towards this ambition was in 2006, with the launch of our joystick docking technology. This was followed by the introduction of the Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains a boat's course and position even during strong currents or windy conditions - ideal when preparing to dock. Now we are taking the next important step by enabling the boat to dock. With our simple docking concept, we aim to attract more people to enjoy the boating experience. "
Optimising option
Another notable feature of the upcoming system is that it will not only be available for the latest IPS-equipped boats - a retrofit version of the feature is also planned, something that could be an attractive upgrade for thousands of boat owners.
The initial focus for Volvo Penta's self-docking system is on individual boat owners who can install the system on their own moorings. In the longer term, the technology is believed to be of great interest to ports and marinas, allowing boats with IPS equipped with the system to moor safely and accurately. An additional future scenario for the self-mooring system is that it can be integrated with Volvo Penta's Easy Connect application (app). With the app, users can check whether the nearest marina is equipped with the right technology for self-docking - or perhaps even use it to secure a parking space.
Safety is a primary factor in the ongoing development of the feature and, as with similar 'self-parking' technology in the automotive world, Volvo Penta's docking system is not designed to be fully autonomous. Although the system will include surround sensors that provide anti-collision warning and avoidance, the captain must remain at the helm during the docking process, ready to intervene if necessary.
Source + photo: Volvo.
