NETDA launches Nantong's first autonomous cruise boat service

Nantong's first autonomous cruise boat project, launched by the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area, has begun operating on Zilang Lake ahead of the National Day holiday, with 36 unmanned smart boats.

The boats come in several models and can accommodate from one to 11 passengers, making them suitable for family outings, couples' dates, and team-building trips. Visitors can control the boats by voice or touch, so no driving experience is required. The service has recorded more than 1,000 passenger trips since trial operations began.

The boats are built using core technology developed by research teams at Tsinghua University and Northwestern Polytechnical University. A dual-radar perception system identifies obstacles within 50 meters and helps the boats avoid potential hazards, while smart sensors monitor cabin safety around the clock. In severe weather, the boats can return to shore with a single command, and remote manual takeover provides backup protection.

An onboard AI system shares stories about the lake's history and culture, while audio-visual entertainment and light refreshments are also available. They operate day and night, with night tours featuring water and light displays on Friday and Saturday evenings.