Volvo Penta Unveils Pioneering Self-docking Yacht Technology

GÖTEBORG, Sweden, June 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aiming to tackle one of boating's most stressful maneuvers – docking – Volvo Penta has revealed an advanced self-docking solution, targeted for launch in 2020. The Volvo Penta launch is the latest example of the rapid technical development in the field of automation within the Volvo Group.

The Volvo Group has been carrying out research into autonomous vehicles and the transport systems of the future for several years. The group has produced a number of examples of self-driving concept vehicles for use in restricted areas, such as mines and ports.

Volvo Penta's self-docking solution represents another step forward in the development process for the group.

The Gothenburg, Sweden, stopover of the Volvo Ocean race was the scene for the unveiling of what could be the most sought-after system in modern boating – Volvo Penta's self-docking system. In a live demonstration, a 68 ft yacht fitted with the technology skillfully maneuvered itself into the tightest of spaces between two of the Volvo Ocean Race 65 racing yachts.  

"Docking is one of the most challenging boat handling maneuvers – getting it wrong can be embarrassing, expensive and precarious," says Björn Ingemanson, President of Volvo Penta. "Our IPS system has already taken great strides in making docking easier, and this new self-docking feature takes that process one important stage further. Its sensors and onboard computers react in milliseconds to changing wind and sea conditions, constantly making micro adjustments in power and steering angle of the IPS drive to keep the boat on its intended course into a safe berth. If necessary, the docking process can be paused, and the system will hold the boat stationary in the water. Even in changing sea conditions it can make the sea appear to stand still."

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. While the system will also feature surround sensors that provide anti-collision alert and avoidance, the captain needs to remain at the helm during the docking process, ready to intervene if necessary.

For more information, video and pictures from the live demonstration, please visit Volvo Penta.

Here are a few other examples of the Volvo Group's activities in the field of automation.

•  In 2016 the group presented a self-driving truck, the Volvo FMX, in the Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden.
•  In 2017 the group demonstrated a self-driving refuse truck for use in an urban environment as part of a research project in collaboration with the recycling company Renova.
•  In Brazil Volvo Trucks is investigating whether self-driving trucks can make an important contribution to the sugarcane harvest.
•  As part of the Volvo Group's Innovation Summit in Beijing in November 2017, a demonstration was given of Hub-2-Hub, a concept truck that can travel autonomously from one hub to another.
•  The HX2 is an autonomous, electric load carrier developed by Volvo Construction Equipment. The second-generation concept machine is part of an electric site research project. 
• Volvo has demonstrated a 12- metre autonomous bus. A prototype based on Volvo´s commercially produced electric city bus.

For more information, please visit volvogroup.com/press 

The Volvo Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs almost 100,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2017 the Volvo Group's sales amounted to about SEK 335 billion (EUR 35 billion). The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

CONTACT:

Journalists who would like further information about Volvo Penta, please contact:
Contact person, Jennifer HumphreyGlobal Communication Manager Volvo Penta
Phone: +46 31 323 3055                                               
Email: jennifer.humphrey@volvo.com                            

For more information about Volvo Group autonomous solutions please contact: Joakim Kenndal at joakim.kenndal@volvo.com or on +46 31-323 72 29.

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