WARNS AGAINST HYPE
As an old cybernetics man from NTNU, Toppe is engaged and excited about the development but warns against the AI hype. – No doubt AI is a trendy word but it is difficult in practice. You need to train a system exceedingly before it is possible to create a sensible algorithm for the system. Still there will probably be holes in the training, which can have consequences, however, it is coming – that is for sure, he points out.
– There will be safety-critical functions that cannot use AI directly. It is however likely that AI will be able to gain great importance in industrial systems, says Lønstad. Especially promising is camera / machine learning used in sorting and quality assurance in connection with production.
AUTOMATION AND AI
It should be noted that innovative systems could be developed without AI. Fully automated ships may ascend by using augmented sensors like LIDAR, Proximity Sensors and IR cameras. These new sensors can for example assist in docking procedures where a high degree of precision is required.
Before throwing AI at everything, some fundamental issues concerning AI should be evaluated. The output of an autonomous system governed by machine learning is based on a learned probability distribution applied to the live sensor data. The effect is that specific decisions made by the system, becomes hard to evaluate and document in comparison to a direct coded behaviour that has undergone scrutiny by regulatory bodies. This will likely limit the proliferation of AI in systems where safety is at stake.
A CLEANER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY
The global energy consumption will continue to drive investments towards a cleaner and more sustainable industry.
– Norway is fully capable of taking a leading role in autonomous, maritime systems, says Toppe. – It also appears that capital is navigating towards sustainable, green technologies. – Autonomous systems are certainly sustainable, more efficient, use less energy and are far more economical, concludes Toppe, who looks forward to Nor-Shipping trade fair, where Data Respons Solutions will be present to help current and future customers navigate the digital transition process.