SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Innovative waterfront development with autonomous vessels
TAKENAKA CORPORATION
We have been developing the concept of Umidoko Robot, which is a robot creates a floor itself that moves around like a drone on the water automatically.We will discuss innovation of urban waterfront with those who are working on the development and implementation of an autonomous vessels, including Umidoko Robot, to solve common global issues facing urban waterfront, such as environment, energy, transportation, logistics, and disaster prevention.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- SDGs
- future society,life
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Participation Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.10.08[Wed]
18:00 ～ 20:00
(Venue Open 17:40)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
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*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.
The Umidoko Robot has been undergoing a series of demonstration experiments in the moat of Osaka Castle Park since 2021 in preparation for the Osaka/Kansai Expo.
It is being developed by the Umidoko Robot Consortium as the autonomous vessel, that will simultaneously solve the problems facing urban waterfronts, such as an environment, energy, traffic, logistics, disaster prevention and crime prevention, as well as helping people to get closer to the waterfront for activities and entertainment.
Two autonomous vessels ‘Umidoko Robot’ developed in Japan, and ‘Roboat’ developed in the Netherlands will be introduced, and while touching on domestic and international trends and social implementation issues, the future of autonomous vessels will be outlined, including what kind of innovation they will bring to urban waterfront areas and what the future of waterfront town planning could be.
Reports
【Reflection】
This program introduced the development history and latest practical applications of autonomous vessels, primarily in Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Each project began with the goal of solving various challenges in urban waterfront areas—such as reducing the burden on existing infrastructure due to population growth in urban areas and improving energy consumption efficiency—and through numerous demonstrations, it was confirmed that autonomous vessels are technically achievable.
However, society does not necessarily demand fully autonomous (unmanned) operation overnight. In some cases, automated operation with a crew on board (driver assistance) is sufficient. This is not a negative aspect of autonomous operation; rather, it adds value by allowing crew members to serve as service providers on board.
Furthermore, this program demonstrated that the desired form of autonomous operation varies significantly depending on conditions such as the country or region, intended use, and safety philosophies.
It highlighted the necessity not only of developing the technology itself but also of defining what services to offer society. It also revealed that challenges extend beyond ship technology to include automating and reducing staffing in peripheral environments like piers, charging stations, and energy supply systems.
Societal implementation cannot be achieved unless society recognizes the need for urban autonomous vessels. Sharing a vision of a future with autonomous vessels with everyone at the Osaka-Kansai Expo was extremely significant. As developers, we shared our commitment to gradually and steadily advance implementation by having people use urban autonomous vessels, spreading the value of that experience, and thereby increasing societal demand.
We believe urban autonomous vessels hold the potential to pioneer a new future. Our vision extends beyond simply installing these vessels along urban waterfronts; we aim to transform these waterfronts themselves. By integrating cities and waterfronts, we strive to create a richer society.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Following this programme, we intend to widely disseminate the outcomes of our discussions to advance both autonomous vessel technology and urban development. We will engage with relevant organizations—including national and local government bodies, developers, and other urban planning stakeholders—to drive implementation.
Furthermore, ｗe will continue our efforts towards societal implementation, aiming to leave urban autonomous vessels as a legacy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Cast
Moderator
Tadashi Iwamoto
MIZUBESOKEN
Architect. The CEO of MIZUBESOKEN. Director of MIZBERING Project. MIZBERING is a joint project between the government and private sector to bring new vibrancy to waterfronts throughout Japan. Engaged in activities to create the appeal of Japan's waterfronts. As a member of UMIDOKO ROBOT Consortium, he owns robots and promotes activities towards their implementation in society.
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Speakers
Yohei Takahama
Takenaka Corporation
Joined Takenaka Corporation in 1999. After 20 years working on urban development projects, he transferred to Urban Creation Strategy Division, where he focused on addressing regional and social challenges as well as creating new businesses. As a member of UMIDOKO ROBOT Consortium, he conceived the UMIDOKO robot to revitalize waterside areas and is spearheading its development as project leader.
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Ynse Deinema
ROBOAT
The CEO of Roboat, a groundbreaking startup company in Amsterdam revolutionizing the maritime industry with autonomous technology for inland waterways. Alongside his three co-founders, Ynse transformed Roboat from a six-year R&D project into a market leader, creating innovative systems for both new and retrofitted vessels, offering varying levels of autonomy. His leadership has been instrumental in aligning the company with Amsterdam’s strategic goals for decarbonizing transport, overseeing full-scale prototypes, and fostering global collaborations. With a background in Neuroscience (BSc), Management & Entrepreneurship (MSc), and expertise in innovation funding, Ynse blends technological vision with his passion for sailing to redefine urban mobility.
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Erik Nillsson
Torghatten AB
The Operative Manager at Torghatten AB, working on one of the company’s latest advancements in waterborne transportation—Zero Emission Autonomous Mobility (ZEAM). A trained captain and mathematician with a strong background in maritime operations, Erik plays a key role in developing and implementing zero-emission, autonomous ferry solutions to enhance urban mobility and sustainability.
At ZEAM, Erik focuses on integrating cutting-edge technology with efficient operations, ensuring seamless, eco-friendly transport solutions for the future. His expertise spans research, regulatory adaptation, and the practical deployment of autonomous vessels in real-world environments.
Passionate about the role of smart waterborne transport in modern cities, Erik actively collaborates with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to advance the sector.
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Etsuro Shimizu
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT). He specializes in marine cybernetics. In recent years, he has been engaged in the development of technologies related to ship operations, including Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), alternative fuels, maritime DX, and cyber security, as well as the development of operational management technologies, and activities related to the development of regulations for social implementation.
As a member of UMIDOKO ROBOT Consortium, he provides technical oversight and advice on the social implementation of urban autonomous vessels from an academic perspective.
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Co-organiser
UMIDOKOROBOT Consortium
More Information
SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Innovative waterfront development with autonomous vessels
We have been developing the concept of Umidoko Robot, which is a robot creates a floor itself that moves around like a drone on the water automatically.We will discuss innovation of urban waterfront with those who are working on the development and implementation of an autonomous vessels, including Umidoko Robot, to solve common global issues facing urban waterfront, such as environment, energy, transportation, logistics, and disaster prevention.
-
2025.10.08[Wed]
18:00～20:00
(Venue Open 17:40)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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