IBM's revolutionary AI-driven vessel, the Mayflower, inspired by its historic namesake that ferried Pilgrims from Plymouth, UK to Massachusetts in 1620, has successfully traversed the Atlantic, albeit not without challenges. Measuring 50 feet and devoid of a crew, this modern-day craft relies on cutting-edge AI and edge computing to navigate the unpredictable seas.

Despite its ambitious mission to autonomously recreate the voyage of its predecessor, the Mayflower encountered several setbacks. Originally slated for a June 2021 launch, technical issues forced its return to Plymouth. After setting sail once more in April 2022, the vessel faced a generator malfunction, diverting it to the Azores Islands. Subsequent challenges, including a faulty charging circuit, led to a detour to Halifax, Nova Scotia, prolonging its journey.

Although the ship faced mechanical shortcomings, IBM asserts the flawless performance of its autonomous systems, notably the AI captain developed by MarineAI. While current AI capabilities fall short of enabling robotic repairs, the Mayflower's onboard systems adeptly navigated the ocean and identified mechanical issues, marking a significant milestone.

Robert High, IBM's VP and CTO of Edge Computing, emphasized the sophistication of the vessel's software, enabling it to recognize and respond to various obstacles encountered during its voyage, from ships and debris to marine life.

Collaborating with marine research nonprofit Promare, IBM engineered the Mayflower 2.0 equipped with a wind/solar hybrid propulsion system and an array of sensors for scientific exploration, including acoustic, nutrient, temperature, and water and air samplers.