Roboat, the Amsterdam-based startup developing autonomy systems for transport over water, plans to scale up operations. Tasked with these plans is new CEO Joshua Jordan, who takes over from Ynse Deinema.
Roboat was founded in 2023, and since then Deinema, as co-founder, has been in charge of the company.
Deinema: ‘I’m proud of the team and the technology we’ve built together, but after four years, I’d like to work where I live and be closer to my family in Friesland. Joshua has the experience and drive to take Roboat further, and I have every confidence that he will.’
Joshua Jordan has been with Roboat from the very beginning, back when it was still a research project. Combining over a decade in AI and software startups with his heartfelt optimism, he is well positioned to bring Roboat’s vision to the world and take the company to the next level. The rest of the leadership team remains unchanged: Jonathan Klein Schiphorst continues as CTO and Rens Doornbusch as CPO.
Also read: VIDEO: Holland Shipyards’ 3D printed ferry spotted on the water
Autonomy at greater scale
The change in leadership does not change what Roboat stands for: a future in which autonomy empowers the transport of people and goods. Roboat’s skipper-support systems are already operational on ferries sailing the IJ. Last summer, Roboat piloted the first logistics demonstration with an autonomous barge sailing through the Amsterdam city centre.
Jordan: ‘I believe autonomy will fundamentally change transport over water. With its technology, Roboat has already proven that this is no longer a vision for the future, but something that can be deployed today. My role is to put that promise into practice at greater scale.’To accelerate this phase, Roboat is currently raising capital to further invest in technology development and market rollout. Roboat is in talks with partners, operators, and parties in the logistics chain who share the company’s vision.
Picture: Roboat’s skipper-support systems are already operational on ferries sailing the IJ (photo PXhere).
Also read: MIT and AMS Institute to trial autonomous Roboat on Amsterdam Canals
