The Mississippi River is getting a digital upgrade. Mythos AI has just deployed its pilot-assist system on a working towboat operated by Southern Devall, marking the first time such technology has been used on this vital but notoriously tricky waterway. This isn’t just another tech trial—it’s a live test of how AI can tackle the unique challenges of inland navigation, from floating debris to shifting shoals.
The system is designed to give towboat pilots an extra set of eyes and a predictive edge. It spots floating logs, tracks nearby vessels, and even flags displaced navigation aids—critical tasks in a river where conditions change faster than the current. But it doesn’t stop at collision avoidance. The system also calculates stopping distances based on real-time river conditions, feeding alerts to the operator when adjustments are needed. For a river that’s as unpredictable as the Mississippi, that kind of foresight could be a game-changer.
Fuel efficiency isn’t left out of the equation. The system logs consumption and propulsion data, then recommends throttle settings tailored to each towboat’s specific load and conditions. In deep-sea shipping, these kinds of savings have been a major driver for adopting advanced fuel-tracking software. If the same holds true for inland waterways, Southern Devall could see significant cost reductions across its 70-vessel fleet.
Southern Devall isn’t just testing the tech—it’s actively shaping it. As one of the larger operators on the Intracoastal Waterway and the Mississippi, its feedback will help refine the system for broader adoption. And if this pilot proves successful, the company may roll it out across its entire fleet.
The Mississippi isn’t an easy place to innovate. Shifting shoals, fluctuating water levels, and dense traffic make it one of the most dynamic—and dangerous—waterways in the world. But Mythos AI’s system is designed to adapt. According to Southern Devall COO Bob Thomas, the tech shows real promise in learning the navigational constraints of their routes and assisting with real-time decision-making.
This isn’t just about automation—it’s about augmentation. The system isn’t taking control; it’s giving pilots better tools to navigate a river that’s always testing their limits. If it delivers on its potential, we could see a ripple effect across inland waterways, where safety and efficiency have long been at odds with the unpredictability of the environment.
The real question is whether this is the beginning of a trend. If AI can make the Mississippi safer and more efficient, what’s stopping it from transforming other challenging routes? The answer, it seems, is nothing but time.