SIMRAD Marine Electronics today announced the launch of the Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System, featuring full auto-docking capabilities, including docking, undocking, and short distance manoeuvring.
Unlike assistance-based systems currently on the market, AutoCaptain delivers true autonomous manoeuvring, engineered from the ground up with exclusive Mercury Marine propulsion integration and a dedicated Simrad display app experience for a seamless user experience. This innovation marks a significant milestone in Brunswick’s ACES strategy, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of recreational boating. AutoCaptain will officially be introduced today during a media presentation at IBEX in Tampa, Florida.
“With the introduction of AutoCaptain, we are rounding out Brunswick’s ACES strategy by delivering true autonomy, starting with one of the most challenging aspects of boating – docking,” said Aine Denari, EVP & President, Navico Group and Brunswick Chief Technology Officer.
“As the first solution to be commercialised under the ‘Autonomy’ pillar of ACES, AutoCaptain marks a major milestone in our innovation journey. This system takes the stress out of close-quarters maneuvering, allowing boaters to focus on enjoying their time on the water. And this is just the beginning. The same hardware platform will support an expanding suite of autonomous features that will be rolled out via software updates, enhancing the boating experience by making it more accessible and intuitive for everyone.”
AutoCaptain goes beyond basic assistance. With real-time 360-degree situational awareness, the system autonomously performs docking and undocking maneuvers, even in tight quarters and challenging situations. Intelligent adjustments counteract wind, current, and nearby obstacles detected by the system, ensuring every movement is smooth and deliberate while under the watchful eye of the captain at the helm. While some systems rely on GPS and require returning to a previously mapped location, AutoCaptain is designed to work anywhere – not just where the boat has been before. When arriving at a new marina or navigating unfamiliar waters, the system dynamically adapts to the environment in real time, giving boaters the freedom and confidence to explore without constraints. The system also features the capability to firmly hold the vessel against the dock, maintaining position while users prepare the lines, fenders, and secure the vessel to dock.
Developed in close collaboration with Mercury Marine, AutoCaptain exclusively integrates with Mercury’s advanced propulsion system and intuitive joystick controls. Leveraging a network of cameras, cutting-edge propulsion technology, and real-time monitoring via a Simrad display, AutoCaptain delivers a truly unified control experience. Unlike aftermarket solutions, this fully integrated system is built directly into the vessel’s design, preserving its aesthetics while providing unparalleled precision, ease of use, and situational awareness. This purpose-built integration unlocks a control experience that no piecemeal solution can match.
AutoCaptain is designed as a scalable, future-ready platform. With the flexibility to support enhancements over time, the system is built to evolve – delivering smarter, safer, and more intuitive boating experiences as new capabilities become available. Whether navigating a marina or docking the boat, AutoCaptain ensures boaters are always one step ahead.
More details at www.simrad-yachting.com/autocaptain/.
