Buffalo Automation: Autonomous Navigation for Watercraft
Buffalo Automation, founded in 2015, provides autonomous navigation systems for ships, boats, ferries, and water taxis, enabling automation and enhancing maritime safety. Their innovative AutoMate system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor fusion to navigate and avoid obstacles within a 24-mile radius, while complying with maritime regulations.
Buffalo Automation has expanded its technology to various applications. Initially developed for commercial shipping, it has been adapted for recreational boating, allowing autonomous navigation for pleasure crafts. The company also introduced a mobile app in 2020 that uses neural networks to detect and classify watercraft, fostering accessibility to AI technology.
In 2021, Buffalo Automation unveiled its autonomous solar-powered water taxi, the first of its kind in North America. The vessel combines AI, sensors, and environmental sustainability to offer a clean and efficient transportation alternative.
The company's commitment to innovation extends beyond nautical navigation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Buffalo Automation developed a thermal scanning system, BiFrost, to rapidly detect fevers in crowds. This software leverages AI to analyze thermal images, providing real-time skin temperature measurements.
Buffalo Automation has received several awards and recognition for its advancements. Its flagship product, AutoMate, won the 2019 AUVSI XCELLENCE Award for Detect & Avoid Solutions. The company has also been recognized as a top startup by various organizations, including Buffalo Business First and The Tech Tribune, showcasing its impact on the tech industry.