Japan to operate self-navigating cargo ships soon

The plan to have so-called "smart ships" moving around the world is being driven by a consortium of Japanese shipping companies who are working with shipbuilders to develop self-piloting cargo ships. At the heart of the ships will be a form of artificial intelligence. Self-learning computer software will function autonomously to pilot what the BBC describe as "the safest, shortest, most fuel-efficient routes." The idea is to reduce costs and to improve efficiency. In addition the artificial intelligence will be able to predict malfunctions and to anticipate other problems.