Self-driving boats to be unleashed in Amsterdam

(CNN)As self-driving cars begin to appear on public highways, the first autonomous boats are heading for the waterways of Amsterdam.

The "Roboat" is expected to make its maiden voyage in 2017, the product of a $27 million collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS).

The cutting-edge crafts will offer a range of urban solutions from public transport to pollution sensing and water-based venues.
If trials are successful, a fleet of Roboats will soon be operating in the Dutch capital, and around the world.