Instigating maritime studies via rapid prototyping and robotics: a case from the smartboat initiative

Abstract

A case on rapid prototyping is presented in this work to exemplify the use of learn, make and share activities to promote maritime studies. SMARTBOAT is an initiative from the Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique, in Portugal, where students are invited to interact with computer-aided design modelling, additive manufacturing and programming. Such initiative is paramount to instigate and promote higher education studies in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). The initiative is presented and discussed, with its main steps and schemes. A step forward is later discussed by the ongoing collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway), which intend to combine the Portuguese case with recent advancements in robotics and digital twin, such as remote operation via internet of things protocols and web-based tools. The work ends with a discussion on the results and future works on autonomous shipping, as well as a call for the development and sharing of similar initiatives.