A new open-source code library has been launched for OpenBridge, a design system aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in maritime workplaces globally. This initiative transitions OpenBridge from a mere design guideline to a fully operational code library, facilitating standardized interactions between humans and maritime technology. While primarily focusing on traditional ship bridge navigation, the system is also tailored for engine control rooms and the burgeoning sector of remote operation centers (ROCs) on land.
Developed at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), OpenBridge addresses the significant issue of fragmented digital interfaces within the shipping industry. Many modern maritime workplaces utilize various systems from different vendors, resulting in inconsistent layouts and increased risks of human error. OpenBridge offers a universal framework that accommodates a wide range of maritime technologies, including innovations like augmented reality for navigation support and advanced advising systems.
Emphasizing an Open Innovation model, OpenBridge has garnered support from over 40 international partners across industry and academia. The project has released 200 coded web components on GitHub, available for free to developers worldwide, thereby reducing both the cost and time for creating safety-critical maritime software. Kjetil Nordby, a professor involved in the project, highlights the aim of establishing a global standard for user-centered maritime design, which could accelerate the implementation of safer workstations across the global fleet.
The impact of OpenBridge is already evident, with over 7,000 downloads of design files prior to the code launch, particularly from major maritime nations like Norway, Japan, and Germany. Companies such as Kongsberg and Maritime Robotics are actively utilizing OpenBridge in various maritime systems, underscoring its role as a leading open design system for advanced maritime workstations. Kongsberg Maritime’s President, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, emphasizes that technological innovation and collaboration are crucial for future progress, with OpenBridge at the forefront of this transformation.
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