These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
Up to 70% of the cost of maintaining a passenger-boat fleet comes from paying captains. In the interest of economics and sustainability, the Finland-based Callboats has developed the world’s first AI-powered autonomous boat, which is all-electric and partly charged by solar energy. Pending regulatory approval, the 30-passenger 10-L water taxi will run between Helsinki and a nearby archipelago with only one crew member on board (just in case anything goes awry). Users will be able to hail the vehicle, which can reach a top speed of 12 knots (nearly 14 m.p.h.), via a mobile app.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 1 Heart-Health Habit You Should Start When You’re Young
- Cuddling Might Help You Get Better Sleep
- The 50 Best Romance Novels to Read Right Now