Self-Driving Electric 'Roboats' Begin Trials On Amsterdam Canals

Amsterdam is trialling self-driving electric boats on its famous canals.

Designed and created by the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Roboat aims to produce the world’s first fleet of autonomous electric boats for the Dutch capital.

As well as transporting passengers, Roboats are able to carry out tasks such as collecting rubbish waste.

With a top speed of 4mph, Roboats move using propellers and thrusters powered by an electric battery which can run for up to 24 hours before being charged.

They are steered remotely by a computer, which processes data from cameras and sensors that scan the areas around the vessel detecting stationary and moving objects.

Developers say they still need two-to-four years to perfect the self-steering technology.