Remember whenX, a subsidiary company of Alphabet yes, the parent company of Google was working onProject Loon?
It uses giant balloons to beam the internet to people living in remote parts of the world?
In January this year, Loonwound downin response to an unsustainable business model.
But now theres something almost as weird: kites to guide cargo ships and reduce their carbon emissions.
But this one might just gain traction.
Kites guiding cargo ships?!
The company is calledAirseas.
Formed in 2016, the company is an Airbus spin-off, which owes its roots to aeronautics.
Its creation is Seawing, a wing that can tow commercial ships.
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Specifically, Airseas combines kite technology with an automated flight control system which includes digital twin and automation technology.
According to Airseas, Seawing is activated at the push of a button and is 100% automated.
A simple switch launches or recovers the kite, which unfolds, operates, and refolds autonomously.
The system collects and analyses meteorological and oceanic data in real-time.
SeaWing adapts to this information to optimize its performance as well as ensure maximum safety.
Why do we need this?
According to Airseas, 3% of the worlds Co2 emissions come from the shipping sector.
In response, Seawing uses wind-assisted technologies to produce a 20% improvement in fuel economy and much-reduced pollution.
Wind propulsion answers a need for improving energy efficiency right now.
The cargo ship transports major aircraft components between France and the United States.
It might sound a bit crazy, but I think this company is one to watch.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
