Brunswick Corp. has introduced Simrad AutoCaptain, an autonomous system that uses artificial intelligence to dock and undock recreational boats without driver input.
The technology addresses one of the most stressful aspects of boating. By automating the final approach and departure, the system aims to lower the barrier for entry for new boaters and reduce the risk of collisions during maneuvers.
Lee Gordon, chief communications and government affairs officer for Brunswick Corp., said the system is designed to simplify the experience for users. The automation handles the precise movements required to secure a vessel at a dock, a task that often requires significant experience and coordination.
"The AutoCaptain takes the scare out of docking and undocking for boat owners," Gordon said.
The Simrad AutoCaptain integrates AI to manage the complex variables of water currents and wind that typically complicate docking. This allows the vessel to navigate into a slip and exit it autonomously, removing the need for the operator to manually steer or throttle during the most critical moments of the trip.
Brunswick Corp. is positioning the tool as a way to increase accessibility in the recreational boating market. By removing the fear associated with docking, the company intends to make boat ownership more appealing to a wider demographic of users who may feel intimidated by traditional piloting requirements.
“The AutoCaptain takes the scare out of docking and undocking for boat owners.”
The introduction of the Simrad AutoCaptain signals a shift toward high-level automation in the consumer marine sector, mirroring trends seen in the automotive industry with self-parking features. By reducing the technical skill required for docking, Brunswick is attempting to expand the total addressable market for recreational boating, potentially increasing adoption among novice users who previously avoided boat ownership due to the steep learning curve of vessel handling.
