Port of Antwerp tests 3D sonar sensors for autonomous shipping

The University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) and the Port of Antwerp have begun testing 3D sonar sensors to enable automated navigation, which is seen as the future of inland shipping.

Inspired by the way bats see the world, Prof Jan Steckel at CoSys-Lab, a research group in UAntwerp’s Faculty of Applied Engineering, is developing advanced sensor systems that can withstand harsh conditions.

He stated: “’In order to achieve fully autonomous navigation, constant monitoring of the ship’s surroundings is absolutely crucial. Cameras can be used, of course, but when visibility is poor – due to dust, water sprays, mud, smoke or fog – they don’t work properly.”