LEAS

Project Goals:

Maritime transport routes are currently characterized by increasing digitalization and automation on board ships. Further development from partially to highly to fully automated and autonomous ships is currently being researched worldwide and implemented in prototype developments. So far, little attention has been paid to the technical and operational integration of such vessels into the existing system of conventional ships and shore-based traffic control services. The merging of traffic and monitoring regimes is particularly important near coasts with high traffic density, where decisions are sometimes required in the shortest possible time.

Objectives:

LEAS is focused on the design, test implementation and demonstration of shore-based AI-based support services for conventional to autonomously navigating and possibly unmanned vessels (mixed traffic). Thus, a maritime transport scenario is addressed for which – apart from some simulation studies – no practical experience on operational requirements and procedures is available. The developed advisory components and modules shall be based on elements working with artificial intelligence (AI) and implemented in an innovative human-machine interface (HMI). The latter is to indicate to the human operator the intention or goals pursued by the automated system and the means employed.

Role of the CML in LEAS:

The project goal of Fraunhofer CML and Fraunhofer FKIE is to develop and evaluate a feasible concept for a decision support system for landside monitoring and control of mixed traffic based on a user-centric approach. This system shall use artificial intelligence (AI) and have an innovative human-machine interface (HMI). The latter should show the human operator the intentions or goals pursued by the automated system and the means used to make the AI decisions understandable. Fraunhofer CML is responsible for the development and implementation of the AI modules as well as their integration into the processes of a VTS (vessel traffic service). The acceptance of the developed solutions will be covered by the accompanying research.

Project consortium:

Fraunhofer FKIE (project coordinator), Jakota Cruise Systems GmbH, Fraunhofer CML, DLR-KN, DLR-KI, HSW – University of Wismar, Bergmann Marine..

LEAS is funded by the BMBF in the period January 2022 - December 2024.