Autonomy, Automation and Reasoning
R. Glenn Wright · 2020
The concepts of autonomy, automation and reasoning are related in that they define goals, processes and a logical approach towards achieving the goals. A good starting point for any discussion on autonomy would be to achieve consensus on the definition of the term prior to advancing regulatory development. The Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations at Norwegian University of Science and Technology developed a four-level representation of autonomy. The Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships identifies operational autonomy levels for merchant ships. All of the approaches considered for the establishment of measures of autonomy correlate fairly well at the lowest and highest levels of autonomy. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) autonomy can only be accomplished through the automation of the many critical shipboard systems that provide the essential services and create the required data products needed to operate the vessel. Each MASS automated process has requirements that are unique in terms of its specific shipboard implementation.