Meet the world’s first AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle [video]

Published

3 months ago

September 23, 2024

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Offshore wind technology company Beam has deployed the world’s first AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) – a breakthrough in offshore wind inspections.

The cutting-edge tech was put to the test at Seagreen, Scotland’s largest offshore site, which is a joint project between SSE Renewables, TotalEnergies, and PTTEP.

This new AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle is a game changer for how underwater inspections are done, as it makes them faster and more affordable. The system is fully autonomous, meaning it can perform detailed inspections without any human involvement and send data directly back to shore.

Why this matters

Traditionally, inspections at offshore wind farms have been time-consuming, manual operations. Beam’s AI-driven AUV can handle these tasks on its own, cutting inspection times by up to 50%. That means lower costs and fewer people needed offshore. Plus, the vehicle’s advanced tech gathers better data, including 3D models, so teams can make more informed decisions about asset maintenance.

The Aberdeen, Scotland-headquartered Beam is planning to expand this technology across its entire fleet over the next few years, with full deployment expected by 2026.

“We’re thrilled to have rolled out the world’s first AI-driven underwater vehicle,” said Beam’s CEO Brian Allen. “This tech is going to reshape how we maintain and inspect offshore wind farms by cutting down both costs and time. This success wouldn’t be possible without forward-thinking partners like SSE Renewables.”

Seagreen wind farm: A testing ground for new tech

Seagreen, at 58.6 meters (192 feet) and online since late 2023, is the deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm in the world. Beam’s autonomous vehicle has already provided crucial data from the site, including insights on marine growth and erosion, which will help ensure the long-term reliability of the wind farm.

Matthew Henderson from SSE Renewables emphasized the safety and efficiency gains: “Beam’s technology allows us to reduce the number of people we send offshore, speed up inspections, and get high-quality data that’s critical as we push into deeper waters.”

What’s next for the AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle?

Beam’s AI-powered inspection tech is set to be rolled out across its fleet in 2025 and 2026. The company hopes this innovation will play a key role in making offshore wind operations more efficient and cost-effective, supporting the global shift toward clean energy.

Check out the video below to learn more about the AI-powered AUV:

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Environment

Contargo logistics adds 20 Mercedes eActros 600 electric semis to fleet

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2024

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Contargo logistics adds 20 Mercedes eActros 600 electric semis to fleet

Germany: Contargo takes delivery of 20 eActros 600s

European logistics firm Contargo is adding twenty of Mercedes’ new, 600 km-capable eActros battery electric semi trucks to its trimodal delivery fleet, bringing zero-emission shipping to Germany’s hinterland.

With over 300 miles of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for (what a European would call) long-haul trucking. Now, after officially entering production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria last month, the eActros 600 is reaching its first customer: Contargo.

With the addition of the twenty new Mercedes, Contargo’s electric truck fleet has grown to 60 BEVs, with plans to increase that total to 90. And, according to Mercedes, Contargo is just the first.

The German truck company says it has plans to deliver fifty (50) of the 600 kWh battery-equipped electric semi trucks to German shipping companies by the close of 2024.

Contargo’s 20 eActros 600 trucks were funded in part by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport as part of a broader plan to replace a total of 86 diesel-engined commercial vehicles with more climate-friendly alternatives. The funding directive is coordinated by NOW GmbH, and the applications were approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.

Electrek’s Take

Holcim, a global leader in building materials and solutions, has recently made a significant commitment to sustainability by placing a purchase order for 1,000 Mercedes electric semi trucks. — Mercedes eActros electric semi; via Mercedes.

Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles in the US, and abroad. As more and more pilot programs begin to pay off, they’re going to lead to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions.

We can’t wait to see more.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Contargo, via Electrive.

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Environment

Why tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta are betting big on nuclear power

Published

6 hours ago

December 28, 2024

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Why tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta are betting big on nuclear power

Data centers powering artificial intelligence and cloud computing are pushing energy demand and production to new limits. Global electricity use could rise as much as 75% by 2050, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, with the tech industry’s AI ambitions driving much of the surge.

Data centers powering AI and cloud computing could soon grow so large that they could use more electricity than entire cities.

As leaders in the AI race push for further technological advancements and deployment, many are finding their energy needs increasingly at odds with their sustainability goals.

“A new data center that needs the same amount of electricity as say, Chicago, cannot just build its way out of the problem unless they understand their power needs,” said Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group. “Those power needs. Steady, straight through, 100% power, 24 hours a day, 365,” he added.

After years of focusing on renewables, major tech companies are now turning to nuclear power for its ability to provide massive energy in a more efficient and sustainable fashion.

Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta are among the most recognizable names exploring or investing in nuclear power projects. Driven by the energy demands of their data centers and AI models, their announcements mark the beginning of an industrywide trend.

“What we’re seeing is nuclear power has a lot of benefits,” said Michael Terrell, senior director of energy and climate at Google. “It’s a carbon-free source of electricity. It’s a source of electricity that can be always on and run all the time. And it provides tremendous economic impact.”

After nuclear was largely written off in the past due to widespread fears about meltdowns and safety risks — and misinformation that dramatized those concerns — experts are touting tech’s recent investments as the start of a “nuclear revival” that could accelerate an energy transformation in the U.S. and around the world.

Watch the video above to learn why Big Tech is investing in nuclear power, the opposition they face and when their nuclear ambitions could actually become a reality.

Environment

Isuzu NRR-EV gets to work as first electric trucks reach customers

Published

22 hours ago

December 27, 2024

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Isuzu NRR-EV gets to work as first electric trucks reach customers

Isuzu announces first NRR-EV is in operation

Isuzu is giving Red Bull electrified wings – the iconic drinks company is officially the first to put the production version of its new-for-2025 Isuzu NRR-EV medium duty electric box truck to work in North America.

Deployed by Red Bull North America, these first-ever customer Isuzu NRR-EV medium duty trucks are busy delivering cans of Red Bull products throughout Southern California with zero tailpipe emissions, marking the first time the best-selling low-cab/cabover box truck brand in the US can make such a claim.

“Today marks a major milestone for the industry and for us. Watching the NRR-EV evolve from a concept to a viable operating product is a big deal,” explains Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “Our teams and our clients have put so much time and effort into making this happen, and it speaks to our teamwork and dedication to more sustainable transportation solutions. It is no longer just a plan, we have zero-emission trucks serving our customers’ needs!”

The NRR-EV is available with a number of different battery configurations, ranging from three 20 kWh battery packs (60 kWh total) up to nine 20 kWh battery packs, with five and seven pack options in between. The nine-pack version is good for up to 235 miles of range with a 19,500 lb. GVWR. The batteries, regardless of configuration, send power to a 150 kW (200 hp) electric motor with 380 lb-ft. of torque available at 0 rpm.

For “Red Bull” duty, the Isuzu trucks ship with a 100 kWh total battery capacity, and are fitted a lightweight, all-aluminum 6-bay beverage body, the vehicle’s design maintains its cargo capacity. The NRR-EV’s 19,500 lb. GVWR (Class 5) chassis, combined with the lightweight body and “big enough” battery spec provides Red Bull’s delivery drivers a hefty, 9,000 lb. payload.

Isuzu began assembling NRR-EV trucks at its Charlotte, Michigan assembly plant in August 2024. Customer deliveries are set to begin nationally in Q1 of 2025.

Electrek’s Take

ISUZU ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION FOR ITS ALL-NEW NRR-EV! — Isuzu NRR-EV production line; via Isuzu.

Isuzu’s N-series trucks are everywhere – and for good reason. They’re dependable, they’re affordable, and they have a nationwide network of GM dealers supporting them. I am a huge fan of these trucks, and can’t wait to sample the electric version from behind the wheel.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Isuzu.

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