
Redefining Urban Waterways with Autonomous Electric Boat Ride Sharing
"By making better use of underutilised waterways, we can revolutionise urban transport in the face of growing population density - providing faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable travel experiences with more responsible operator models that move towards a more sustainable future."


Challenge
Major waterways, rivers, and city coastlines are underutilised assets with significant potential to improve urban mobility. By restoring and enhancing these natural infrastructures through innovative water-based transport systems that seamlessly connect with existing land networks, we can tackle the mobility challenges posed by urbanisation and growing city populations, often exacerbated by global tourism.
Insights
Historically, rivers and waterways played a crucial role in transportation – in part, due to the dramatically improved fuel-efficiency of transporting people and goods by water as opposed to by land. For instance, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Thames was one of the world’s busiest waterways, with the Port of London handling 60 million tons of cargo annually by the 1960s.
Over the past few decades, accelerating urbanisation has led to over 50% of the world’s population living in urban areas, a figure expected to rise to over 60% by 2050. This rapid urban growth, coupled with the exponential rise in global tourism, poses significant challenges to inner-city mobility systems, resulting in substantial economic costs and negative impacts on public health. Urban planners and transport businesses must explore innovative solutions that address these pressures in ways that are holistically beneficial for people, businesses, and the world.
Outcomes
Designed for major cities like London, Miami, New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Venice, this innovative hydrofoil boat combines cutting-edge technology with luxurious comfort, setting a new standard for water-based mobility. ORB’s design focuses on offering passengers a premium, intimate experience. Hydrofoil technology ensures maximal energy efficiency and a smooth ride by reducing wave disturbance. Every passenger enjoys a panoramic, 180 degree view from their own large window, providing a unique and luxurious perspective of the surrounding views. This configuration transforms ORB into a floating viewpoint, ideal for those seeking a serene and exclusive journey.
Our Approach
Concept and Design
Inspired by the potential of generative AI and the global intrigue surrounding this technology, we created an immersive experience that blended hardware and software. The experience was designed to help visitors envision their future careers through a curated, interactive journey.
Immersive Experience
Visitors engaged with a bespoke hardware interface, participating in a diagnostic test that drew inspiration from learning type assessments. This quiz asked a series of interpersonal questions about their ambitions, learning characteristics, and aptitudes. Leveraging these insights, the AI generated an archetype using smart prompts. This process culminated in the creation of unique visual avatars that were then displayed large digital animated video walls.
Spatial Design
The RiseUp immersive experience was meticulously integrated within the broader context of the Knowledge 24 event, spanning across six interconnected areas. Our design ensured that the RiseUp zone complemented neighbouring spaces, maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the exhibition. The central 'haven' space, surrounded by digital video walls displaying the avatars, provided a bright, optimistic, and inviting atmosphere amidst the bustling expo floor.
Visual and Interactive Elements
The interactive experience was enhanced by a bespoke controller with tactile controls, making AI more accessible and empowering users to take control of their future career. The overarching goal was to demystify AI, rendering it tangible and approachable. By providing hands-on experiences, we sought to educate and inspire curiosity about AI’s applications, helping visitors comprehend its potential impact on their future path in the work environment.
Totemic Takeaway
Each visitor received a printed version of their avatar. This personalised memento served as a reminder of their engagement with the RiseUp experience and their unique learning archetype. The takeaway was not only a keep sake but also a conversation starter, encouraging further discussion and interest in the RiseUp program long after the event.









