University of Indonesia Holds Unmanned Ship Contest

Depok, West Java (Antara) -- As many as 31 teams from 22 universities across the country showcased their talent at the National Fast Unmanned Ship Contest held at the campus of the University of Indonesia here on Wednesday. The Chairman of the event's organizing committee, Yugo K Isal, said that the two-day contest, which will go on till Thursday, was aimed at improving students' knowledge about ships and maritime-related subjects as 70 percent of Indonesia's territory comprised the surrounding seas. The event also aims at examining students' creativity in designing vessels, establishing principles of the machinery of engines, and designing automated ship systems, Isal noted. The organizing committee chairman further pointed out that the contest included three categories--- Autonomous Ship, Remote Control Ship and Fuel Engine Ship. In the Autonomous Ship category, participants had to showcase an innovative sensor-controlled vessel. Contestants of the Remote Control Ship category had to showcase ships that were battery-powered, while those of the Fuel Engine category were challenged to create a vessel wherein the engine was powered by liquid fuel. Isal added that participants of all categories would be assessed on their mastery of navigating the vessels they built, as well as on their design, speed and maneuver performance. "This contest will most likely be held every year, with better quality and more innovative projects showcased," he stated. (*)