Roboat is a 5 year research program on autonomous vessels that helps solving urban challenges of the city of Amsterdam
For more information and the latetest news on Roboat click here.
Roboat is a 5 year research program on autonomous vessels that helps solving urban challenges of the city of Amsterdam
For more information and the latetest news on Roboat click here.
Roboat is the world’s first large-scale research that explores and tests the rich set of possibilities for autonomous systems on water: transport people, deliver goods, collect waste, dynamic infrastructure and environmental sensing.
As 25% of the city of Amsterdam consists of water surface, Amsterdam offers the ideal environment to expand its current infrastructure with the deployment of autonomous vessels, alleviating pressure from the relatively small but busy city center. For example, by using Roboat to collect waste from Amsterdam’s city center, the number of traffic movements within the city center can be reduced. For the scenic views on the Amsterdam canals Roboat offers a more attractive way of collecting household waste, which is currently still being placed at the curbs of the canals, distorting the view on the canals, taking up a lot of space and attracting rodents.
Depending on the assignment Roboat is given, the boat is able to determine the optimal route from A to B in the Amsterdam canals. Roboat does not only consider how busy it is on the water, and incorporates the characteristics of the canals and bridges such as width and height, it also takes into account possible obstacles that it might encounter on the canals. In order to accelerate the tests and development of the technology behind the autonomous navigation, current prototypes are developed on a 1:4 scale model.
As the vessels can be latched to each other, temporary infrastructures can be set up to create bridges or platforms, or for example, Roboat units can function as push and tug boats. In the second year of research, the mechanism for latching or docking vessels to the quay was further developed.
As part of the Roboat project a new type of sensors is being developed and tested. These sensors continuously measure the water quality while the autonomous vessels move throughout the city. Based on the data they gather, a better insight is gained into the quality of surface water and water flows, which contributes to urban water management.
Roboat is a research program by AMS Institute. Working on the project is a consortium of researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Delft University of Technology and Wageningen University and Research. Waternet, City of Amsterdam and City of Boston are supportive of the program.
In the third research year activities will focus, among others, on:
The research is set in Amsterdam, yet aims to become a reference study for many urban areas around the globe. “It is a fantastic opportunity for Amsterdam,” said the city’s former alderman and vice mayor Kajsa Ollongren. “To have the world’s most prominent scientists work on solutions with autonomous boats in this way is unprecedented, and most fitting for a city where water and technology have been linked for ages.”
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Laat je nieuwsgierigheid de vrije loop tijdens het <strong>A Lab Open Huis</strong>. Een creatief en innovatief festival voor alle nieuwsgierige Amsterdammers die in deze turbulente tijden waarde hechten aan kunst & cultuur, duurzaamheid en sociale innovatie.
Kom kijken hoe meer dan 350 members in onze broedplaats werken aan een positieve toekomst. Met een programma vol exposities, live muziek, kunst, pitches, theater, fotoreportages, workshops, interessante ontmoetingen en meer! Kinderen? Neem ze vooral mee, het is voor iedereen een feestje!
Ontdek nieuwe ideeën, ontmoet makers en verken het live programma. Dwaal rond en laat je verrassen door wat je tegenkomt, of volg een van de inspirerende routes die speciaal zijn samengesteld langs de thema’s waar A Lab members aan werken. Er is een (digitale) kunst & cultuurroute, een duurzaamheidsroute, een sociaal maatschappelijke innovatieroute en ga voor een mix van activiteiten in de kidsroute.
Bekijk het volledige programma met timetables komende tijd op de website, maar een sneak peek is natuurlijk altijd leuk. Laat je meevoeren door livemuziek – van opkomend raptalent tot jazzy klanken – en ontdek unieke ervaringen zoals een levende algenexpo, verticale dans op de binnentuinmuur en interactieve datavisualisatie. Luister naar korte, inspirerende talks over een zelfredzame toekomst, stap in een Kanta vol verhalen over Amsterdam Noord, of scoor iets moois in de A Lab pop-up store. Geniet van wereldse smaken van de restaurants van het nieuwe Maritim Hotel, bewonder kunst van o.a. jonge makers, draai aan een meteorologisch rad of ga zelf aan de slag in een escape room of met je eigen digitale kunst. En voor filmliefhebbers: struin door Izzy’s Videotheek voor verborgen parels die je nergens kunt streamen.
Het event is gratis, maar reserveer wel je gratis ticket via deze link.
Amsterdam Data Design Den is the city's newest community meetup celebrating the intersection of data, design, and storytelling. In an era where information surrounds us, we believe in the power of creative visualization to transform complex data into compelling narratives that inspire and inform.
Every couple of months, we bring together professional designers, creative studios, and emerging talents in an informal setting to share groundbreaking projects and foster meaningful connections. Our speakers range from established design studios showcasing large-scale data visualization projects to independent designers experimenting with novel approaches to information design.
What makes our meetup unique is its commitment to accessibility and community. There's no entry fee, no membership requirements—just a gathering of curious minds passionate about using design to make sense of our data-driven world. Whether you're a seasoned information designer, a student exploring data visualization, or simply intrigued by the creative possibilities of data storytelling, you'll find your place here.
Join us for an evening of inspiration, networking, and casual conversations over drinks. Each session features thought-provoking presentations followed by open discussions, creating an environment where ideas flow freely and collaborations naturally emerge.
Amsterdam Data Design Den meets in the heart of Amsterdam, bringing together the city's vibrant creative community to explore the future of data visualization and information design.
Wow! Half of the tickets for our Cenex Nederland Lenteborrel have already been ordered – and the event isn’t even happening until 8th of May 2025. 🎉
That means: lots of excitement, high expectations, and... an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
The event will be focusing on Transport & Mobility, Circular Mobility, Energy & Infrastructure, where you can expect the following.
📍 What to expect:
✅ Meet exhibitors and explore the latest innovations
🎮 Join or watch two exciting serious game sessions
🎤 Be inspired by four engaging keynotes (English)
🥂 End the day with our annual spring reception where you have the opportunity to network.
Want to join us? Don’t wait too long – the remaining 50% is likely to go even faster. 🎫
Please make sure to get your (free) ticket via Eventbrite