Videosoft’s adaptive low bandwidth video streaming technology to be deployed on Marine AI’s Mayflower Autonomous Ship

Videosoft's adaptive low bandwidth video streaming technology has been selected and installed on the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), in order to help relay high-quality footage of the ship’s various missions, back to humans on land.

On its maiden voyage this spring, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship will trace the route of the famous 1620 Mayflower ship, sailing from Plymouth, in the United Kingdom to Plymouth, in Massachusetts, USA. Only this time, there will be no human captain or crew on board, as the 15 metres, lightweight, hybrid-electric powered trimaran (multi-hull vessel) crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

Real-time feedback and visuals

Videosoft’s technology will help capture footage from the Mayflower's six onboard cameras at sea. Using satellite connectivity and compression technologies, footage will be transmitted back to AI developers and research scientists, providing them real-time feedback and visuals, during the mission. It will also be used to provide the media and public with updates about interesting events that occur during the ship’s ocean adventures.

“The ability to receive live video feed from the ship using minimal communication bandwidth is a game changer for us,” said Don Scott, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship for Marine AI.

Reliable monitoring of the live situation

Videosoft provides real-time telepresence, allowing us to reliably monitor the live situation"

Don Scott adds, “Videosoft provides real-time telepresence, allowing us to reliably monitor the live situation and give us confidence in the vehicle’s operation at sea. It has already been an invaluable tool during sea trials and we look forward to having the live feed during the voyage itself.”

The international grassroots project is led by marine research organisation, ProMare, alongside IBM, which is acting as both lead technology partner and lead scientific partner, with other key design and construction partners, including MSubs, Aluship (Aluship Technology) and Marine AI.

AI Captain with computer vision technology

With an AI Captain at the helm, MAS is able to operate for long distances and durations at sea collecting critical data about the ocean. Powered by IBM’s computer vision, automation and machine learning technologies, the AI Captain maintains constant situational awareness and makes decisions about what to do next in line with collision regulations.      

Small, lightweight edge devices from NVIDIA provide local computer power for operational independence, relying on IBM Cloud connectivity when available.

Cutting-edge video streaming solution

Videosoft was selected for its cutting-edge video streaming solution and its ability to reliably stream video from onboard cameras and computer vision systems, which scan the horizon for hazards, as the Mayflower Autonomous Ship sails. Videosoft's software runs on IBM's platform, which skippers the vessel and is linked via satellite.

Videosoft's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stewart McCone said, “This project is designed to transform humanity’s relationship with the ocean. To say we're totally thrilled to be involved in the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project would be an understatement.”

Stewart McCone adds, “By working alongside innovative and specialist companies, who are experts in their field and have an intimate knowledge of what they are doing, Videosoft is enabling the ambitions of this multi-million-pound project. Streaming live video from ocean-going vessels is not straightforward and you really need to know what you're doing to pull it off successfully.”

Intelligent transmission protocol

An intelligent transmission protocol is required to maintain connectivity"

He further stated, “An intelligent transmission protocol is required to maintain connectivity. In addition to switching between satellite and cellular networks, variable signal strength, the topography of network masts, atmospheric conditions, satellite capabilities, speed, and variables all impact the available bandwidth.”

Stewart McCone said, “Videosoft, which has developed software specifically for the satellite and cellular industry, to negate the typical issues that arise when using such networks, has made it possible to have eyes on the ocean 24/7. The unique protocols that the Videosoft team has built into our software mean that any video delay from the Mayflower will be dramatically reduced, with any streamed video automatically adapting to the amount of available bandwidth, while retaining good quality.”

Real-time situational awareness

Stewart continues, “Even in our knowledge-rich industry, not many people realise that this can be done, but it can and is relatively simple to put in place, thanks to our easy-to-use software platform. As with CCTV, IoT and surveillance applications, Videosoft's ability to provide reliable video streams creates a real-time situational awareness that is critical to the operational success of projects, such as the Mayflower Autonomous Ship.”

He further adds, “The Videosoft vision has always been to get involved in pioneering projects, such as the Mayflower and serves to underpin Videosoft's mission statement of deploying technology to solve real-world problems at the highest global level, using video and remote services, to make the world be a better, safer place. We're showing that this specialist tech does exist and that we can enable all Internet of Things (IoT) applications for the common good. If that interests you, come and talk to us.”