Blog: What will it take for society to fully accept autonomous boats?
Technology has become an everyday part of our lives with automated systems taking over more and more dull and sometimes dangerous tasks. As humans we’re used to seeing ‘simple’ automated systems everywhere we look such as traffic lights, cash machines and household appliances. Automated systems have now evolved beyond the simple tasks with complex autonomy becoming increasingly popular in working environments in the skies, on land and on the sea.
Societal acceptance of autonomous systems is a hurdle that remains a challenge for the industry, particularly with wider media often showcasing the dangerous, but not the revolutionary.
Driverless cars and military drones have regularly been seen at the sharp end of the media scrutiny but despite growing adoption by industry, autonomous boats have not received anywhere near the same level of media coverage. Perhaps that’s a good thing – negative media coverage can drive negative perceptions but the absence of wider media coverage has perhaps resulted in very little awareness. How can society be expected to accept something it perhaps doesn’t know exists?
Out of sight out of mind?
It could be said that society has a vested interest in what’s on our roads and what flies above our heads because it can quite easily impact our daily lives. Boats operating hundreds of miles offshore don’t seem so intrusive. Education and engagement led by the companies behind the technology would help to increase the awareness. As businesses we often target our PR efforts at industry news outlets but are perhaps guilty of overlooking the importance of engaging with the wider public.
Trust is key
Awareness is only the first step on the path to acceptance. Trust is a far greater challenge. Humans trusting systems using automation techniques and artificial intelligence is a whole topic in itself that delves into all sorts of psychological aspects. Without wanting to play down all of those complex considerations, I think one thing that is obvious to assume is the notion of the proof being in the pudding. Any level of trust will first depend on people seeing these systems in action and being useful again and again and again. Consistent case history coupled with positive media coverage will go a long way to increase awareness and confidence.
The creation of regulation and endorsement by appropriate authorities will add an extra level of assurance to autonomous systems at sea.
Will robots take our jobs?
Another important assurance for humans, I feel, in addition to the assurance that these systems are safe, is that they aren’t out to take over people’s jobs. Yes of course, there are some jobs that a robot can replace, but on the same token, their very being creates so many new jobs. These systems need to be designed, built, tested, operated and maintained. Media has played a role in creating negative perceptions around autonomous systems ‘replacing’ people’s jobs. As part of evidencing case history, industry could play a greater role in dispelling these opinions.
Where next?
The annual Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG) Conference, this year held in London in January is the perfect forum to continue the conversation of societal acceptance of autonomous systems. The MASRWG is dedicated to progressing the creation and implementation of regulations around the use of autonomous systems – a crucial step on the path to societal acceptance. The rest: engaging with the public, providing evidence of successful use cases, and demonstrating creation of new jobs, is in the hands of industry.
Mark Exeter is Managing Director at L3Harris (ASV, UK)
L3Harris (ASV, UK) are sponsors of the 5th Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Conference.