Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day
September 11, 2018: It took two and a half months, but on August 26 a 2-meter-long unmanned boat successfully crossed the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland. More than 20 previous attempts by various companies had failed.[1]
The slightly under 8-feet-long SB Met was built by the Norwegian company Offshore Sensing AS. It was guided and given course corrections remotely.
According to ABC News, this milestone “shows the technology for unmanned boats is robust enough to carry out extended missions that can dramatically cut costs for ocean research, border security, and surveillance in rough or remote waters.”
"The North Atlantic is one of the toughest areas to cross," said David Peddie, CEO of Offshore Sensing, adding that the successful voyage "really proves that it's a long endurance vehicle for pretty much any condition the sea can throw at you."
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- September 10, 2018 – 1,190 state legislative incumbents not running for re-election
- September 7, 2018 – 1,400 Americans under age 26 earned $1 million or more in 2016
- September 6, 2018 – 70 percent of rural residents feel misunderstood by urban/suburban residents
- September 5, 2018 – 8 million students chronically absent during 2015-16 school year
- September 4, 2018 – 33 percent of U.S. voters believe U.S. offers liberty and justice for all
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
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