Buffalo Automation’s autonomous vessel- a small Sea Ray outfitted with several cameras and sensors- can be spotted cruising up and down Western New York’s waterways.

Teaching a boat to drive itself is easier than conditioning a car in some ways. They typically don’t have to deal with traffic, stoplights or roundabouts. But water is a unique challenge.

The boat can drive itself up to 30 mph, navigating the best path through the water while avoiding obstacles like wildlife, kayakers, and other boats. The purpose of the trips is to collect data.