Brunswick Corporation has demonstrated the Simrad AutoCaptain, an AI-driven system that allows recreational boats to dock and undock autonomously [1, 2, 3].
Automating the docking process addresses one of the most stressful aspects of boating. By reducing human error during maneuvers, the company aims to improve safety on the water and increase profitability within the recreational boating industry [1, 3].
The system integrates cameras, sensors, and GPS to navigate the vessel. According to Engadget, the technology utilizes edge AI and sensor fusion to allow the boat to navigate tight spaces without a human hand on the wheel [5].
Brunswick CEO David Foulkes said AutoCaptain is the future of boating, making docking effortless for anyone on the water [1]. The technology allows for high-precision movement in challenging environments.
CNBC reporter Contessa Brewer observed the system in action. "With just the push of a button, the boat docks itself," Brewer said [3].
Reports on the demonstration's location vary. Engadget reported the technology was featured at the CES 2026 [5] trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada [5]. However, Yahoo News reported the demonstration took place on a private lake in Florida [2].
The company first showcased these capabilities earlier this year during the CES 2026 [5] event in January. The system is designed to lower the barrier to entry for new boaters who may lack the experience to dock large vessels safely.
“"With just the push of a button, the boat docks itself."”
The introduction of autonomous docking represents a shift toward 'edge AI' in the marine sector, where processing happens on the vessel rather than in the cloud. By removing the technical difficulty of docking, Brunswick is attempting to expand the addressable market for recreational boating to less experienced operators, similar to how driver-assist technologies have changed the automotive industry.
