Ynse, your background is not in shipbuilding or robotics. How did you end up leading Roboat?
I have always been a “bootjesman.” My father had boats, we went to marinas, and I loved sailing most of all. At the same time, I was fascinated by technology. I studied neurobiology, worked at the university, then moved into subsidy advising. That brought me into contact with robotics companies, like farmers using drones. Through that network I discovered Roboat. At that point it was still a research project with MIT, but I felt we needed to actually build a real boat. So I jumped in, brought in partners like Murata in Japan for batteries and charging, and helped form a small founding team. In 2021 we showed the first self-navigating demo boat, and by 2023 we officially became a company.
What problem are you solving with Roboat?
If you look at ferries on the Amsterdam IJ, there are 18 boats making thousands of crossings every year. It is busy, tricky water, and the systems ships use today, like radar, were designed for open seas. They don’t refresh quickly enough for crowded waterways. Our product, Roboat Assist, adds extra “eyes and brains”: six cameras, lidar sensors that can see in the dark, and high-precision GPS. It is like cruise control in a car. The captain is still there, but now with better tools to navigate safely, reduce downtime, and make the ride more comfortable.
Why is this technology important for the future of cities?
There are two big trends. First, digitalization: ships are getting the same kind of smart support systems cars already have. This means safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport. Second, transport itself. The world struggles with moving people and goods in a sustainable way. Water is actually one of the greenest ways to do it, but not enough people want to work in shipping anymore. That is why automation is key. With Roboat we show how ferries and inland vessels can keep operating safely even with fewer crew.
Who are your customers today, and what do you see coming next?
Right now we are working with ferry operators in the Netherlands and in Paris, and with companies in inland waterway transport. Our first product is Roboat Assist, but we are also developing features like automatic docking. The idea is that shipyards will start offering these systems as standard, just like car manufacturers offer Bosch systems. In offshore shipping, advanced positioning is already common, but we are bringing it to ferries and inland vessels. That is the future.
You already have ties to Japan. What does that mean for Roboat?
Japan has been important for us from the start, especially through Murata, who supply batteries. We also see a shared vision: Japan has huge waterfronts, but they are often fenced off because of safety concerns. Historically, Japan was a seafaring nation, but the connection to water has weakened. Cities like Tokyo are rethinking how to use their waterways better, and that is exactly where Roboat can help. Expo 2025 in Osaka gives us the chance to talk to partners about how our technology can make urban transport faster, cleaner, and safer.