Flying Ship Technologies and PROBOTEK have entered into an agreement to integrate PROBOTEK’s proprietary artificial intelligence and robotics technologies and software into Flying Ship’s unique unmanned maritime vessels. PROBOTEK’s capabilities will empower the vessels with smart, safe and green autonomous and semi-autonomous operations, including real-time vessel system monitoring and reactive collision avoidance.
Flying Ship’s robotic vessels utilise the ground effect, an aerodynamic principle that aircraft experience when flying close to the earth’s surface, either over ground or water. The surface alters the flow field around the wing, resulting in reduced drag and an increase in lift. This in turn leads to better energy efficiency and the ability to carry heavier payloads.
According to Flying Ship, these wing-in-ground-effect vessels are 30-50% more energy efficient than similar-sized aircraft and travel ten times faster than conventional boats. The two companies hope that this agreement will enable them to pursue a market of potential customers and investors more effectively.
Bill Peterson, CEO of Flying Ship, commented: “PROBOTEK’s experience integrating operationally proven artificial intelligence and BVLOS control operation systems will be a critical asset for Flying Ships. The Flying Ship team is one hundred percent committed to safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through our all-electric vessels. We look forward to working with PROBOTEK to integrate secure and reliable navigation systems that are interoperable with the European maritime logistics network.”
George Delaportas, CEO of PROBOTEK, said: “Flying Ship is an exciting and innovative entrant into the logistics market. Our capabilities in artificial intelligence and mission-critical software platforms are a natural fit for their autonomous ground effect vessels.”
Gus Bateas, Flying Ship’s Executive Vice President and COO, stated: “Flying Ship and PROBOTEK will work together on financial support to develop the vessel in Greece. Our ultimate goal is to enhance connectivity among the Greek islands and the mainland through safer and more reliable on-time cargo delivery to an increased number of delivery points.”
Panagiotis Apostolopoulos, PROBOTEK’s COO, said: “The huge number of Greek islands creates strong demand for a distributed maritime logistics network that is fast, cost effective, and green. There’s an incredible business opportunity to improve the quality of life for people through better delivery options for perishable goods, like groceries, medicine, and retail items.”
