Improving Rio de Janeiro Mobility
Arya is an autonomous ferry that can be operated locally or remotely and use automation in repeated operations. In principle, the ferry will transport the passengers between the Santos Dumont Airport to Urca, the round trips lasting about 20 minutes each stretch, with a capacity for 15 people and bicycles, being able to avoid traffic jams, especially on the weekends, since Urca is one of the most touristic neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.
The system will be 100% electric and will not emit polluting gases. Photovoltaic panels will be installed both on the ferry and on the docking pier (located on the Peninsula), will be used as a charging station, and will contribute to charging the batteries, further reducing the environmental impact of the initiative. In addition, the technology will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to detect oil and water pollution during navigation, contributing to regulatory agents in environmental control measures.
Vision
Motivated by modern necessities, inspired by ancient solutions
Since ancient times, mankind has established settlements near water bodies. Water mobility, however, fell into disuse compared to land transport.
Arya emerges as a rescue of ancient and sustainable traditions to the urban context, taking advantage of waterway networks to transport passengers and goods.
Challenge
Traffic is a common problem in many cities around the world, including Rio de Janeiro. Our plan is to make navigation through Baía de Guanabara feasible, which means that it will be possible to reduce a journey time that used to take more than 60 minutes to 20 minutes.
The ferry will be a new option for urban mobility capable of saving people's time and integrating the existing urban fabric. Similar ferries are already starting to operate in other countries, such as "Roboat", in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In Brazil, Arya will be the first model in operation, with the know-how of TideWise.
The move towards smart cities involves continued innovation in the transportation sector. The Arya ferry emerges as a proposal for a solution that takes advantage of water bodies to optimize circulation in cities - in line with movements to optimize transport by exploring different modes.
Victor Kato
Head of R&D and Product Designer
Indutrial Design - PUC-RJ - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro