Microtransat 2007: Linux on the High Seas
A regatta for unmanned robot sailing craft will be starting from Aberystwyth, Wales, in September. "Roboat", a Linux-powered craft by the Austrian Society for Innovative Computer Sciences (InnoC), will be one of the starters in Microtransat 2007.
Roboat's route is calculated by reference to weather data and takes drift into consideration. Sensor data are analyzed to set the rudder and sails. The robot boat is capable of tacking and jibing autonmously.
"From a technical point of view, the biggest challenge this year is mechanical adapting of the new boat, as the sailing algorithms were developed to scale to larger sized craft", said Roland Stelzer, InnoC's President in an interview with Linux Magazine Online.
Size counts: Members of the InnoC Team could easily carry the first competition boat; its successor is designed for the high seas.
The Microtransat program (September 3 through 6) includes a short race over two kilometers, a long race (10 kilometers) and a 24-hour race. The Austrian team is optimistic: "Although competition is getting tougher, we have a good chance of defending our title", says Roland Stelzer. InnoC won the title at the first Microtransat in 2006.
Roboat will be training in calmer waters such as on the New Danuabe and Lake Neusiedl prior to the start. The team will be documenting the race progress on www.roboat.at.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.