Orca AI and Samsung to collaborate on AI systems

London-based Orca AI and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on integrated autonomous navigation, berthing, and speed control systems both for new ships and as retrofits for existing vessels.

The partnership will involve a series of moves to combine the Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) system with Orca AI’s situational awareness platform, based on shipboard sensors and artificial intelligence.

The systems to be integrated will include SHI’s SVISION berthing assistance system and autonomous speed control for optimal fuel consumption. Meanwhile SHI will integrate the Orca AI platform into the vessels it builds with SAS systems.

Orca AI’s SeaPod uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to support bridge personnel, enabling them to detect, track, and prioritise navigational risks that they might not otherwise see. This could be a result of bad weather conditions, or congested ship traffic, for example. Meanwhile, the company’s FleetView application provides shore-based personnel with the same information. 

Hyun Joe Kom, head of the shipbuilder’s Research Institute, said: “Enhancing our business portfolio and advancing technologies through AI-based autonomous navigation is a key competitive factor for the future of the shipbuilding industry.”

Orca AI’s CEO, Yarden Gross, commented: “Bringing together SHI’s deep expertise in vessel design and integration with our AI-driven situational awareness platform creates a practical path to scaling autonomous capabilities – from newbuild vessels to existing fleets.”