On August 2, 2025, at 10:45 PM, a significant global event occurs: the launch of the first fully autonomous cargo ship, named "Ocean Voyager," designed to revolutionize maritime trade. This vessel, powered by advanced AI and green technology, embarks on its maiden voyage from a major port, signaling a new era in shipping logistics that enhances efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Reflecting on the history leading up to this event, we can note various milestones: - **One Month Ago (July 2, 2025)**: The final tests of the Ocean Voyager are completed successfully, showcasing its ability to navigate complex shipping routes without human intervention. - **One Year Ago (August 2, 2024)**: The Ocean Voyager project is officially announced by a leading maritime technology company, attracting attention from industries worldwide and sparking discussions on the future of shipping and automation. - **Ten Years Ago (August 2, 2015)**: Discussions around autonomous vehicles, including ships, begin to gain traction in technology forums and academic circles, laying the groundwork for future developments in the field. - **One Hundred Years Ago (August 2, 1925)**: The shipping industry is dominated by steam-powered vessels, with innovations in cargo handling and navigation systems beginning to emerge, setting the stage for future advancements. - **Five Hundred Years Ago (August 2, 1525)**: The Age of Exploration is in full swing, with explorers charting new territories and expanding trade routes, highlighting the importance of maritime travel in global commerce. - **One Thousand Years Ago (August 2, 1025)**: Maritime trade is primarily conducted through traditional sailing ships, with early forms of navigation and trade agreements shaping the economies of emerging kingdoms. This timeline illustrates the evolution of maritime technology leading up to the groundbreaking launch of the Ocean Voyager, marking August 2, 2025, as a pivotal moment in the history of global trade and technology.