AI Advancements in Maritime Technology
Renowned University of Toronto professor Geoffrey Hinton, who was honored with the Nobel prize in physics in 2024 for his groundbreaking work in AI, has made a bold prediction. Hinton believes that artificial intelligence could potentially surpass human intelligence within the next 20 years. In his own words, the pace of AI development is now “very, very fast.”
The latest issue of Offshore Engineer magazine delves into how AI is being developed within the maritime industry. The article titled The Higher the Stakes, the More Value AI Creates defines AI as a technology that enables computers and machines to mimic human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy. Companies like IBM are utilizing AI to enhance asset management, operational efficiency, and safety.
IBM’s technology GM for the oil and gas industry, Carol Lee Anderson, emphasizes that the goal of AI implementation is not to eliminate human involvement but to relieve individuals of tedious and repetitive tasks while providing real-time decision support. The article showcases various AI applications, including SLB’s Lumi data and AI platform, which utilizes large language models to contextualize data.
In the latest issue of Marine Technology Reporter magazine, AI advancements in subsea vehicles are highlighted. One notable example is Beam’s Scout, an AI-powered Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) designed for independent offshore wind inspections, providing a comprehensive report at the end of its mission.
Looking ahead, the potential of quantum computing in revolutionizing AI capabilities will be explored in an upcoming issue of Marine Technology Reporter magazine. Quantum computing is expected to significantly enhance data processing and interpretation, potentially reducing tasks that would take a supercomputer a year to just a few hours with quantum computing technology. The fusion of quantum computing and AI holds immense promise for further advancements in the maritime industry.