Brunswick Corporation Unveils AutoCaptain: A New Era in Autonomous Boating
Brunswick Corporation, the global marine technology leader with over 60 brands under its umbrella, has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in boating technology. At the recent CES technology trade show, Brunswick unveiled AutoCaptain, an artificial intelligence-enhanced autonomous boating system. According to CEO David Foulkes, this innovation represents Brunswick’s ongoing commitment to creating “fun, convenient, intuitive, and stress-free experiences on the water” through thoughtful design and smart technology applications. The system aims to transform the boating experience by addressing the unique challenges of marine navigation while preserving the joy and freedom that draws people to boating in the first place.
Developing autonomous technology for boats has presented significantly greater challenges than creating similar systems for land vehicles. As Foulkes explains, Brunswick has been perfecting this technology for over a decade, working to create systems that can handle the dynamic marine environment with its “wind, waves, current, pitch, heave, roll” and lack of structured guidance like road signs and lane markings. This complex undertaking required an entirely different approach than autonomous land transportation. Developed in-house by Brunswick’s Simrad team (part of their Navico Group marine electronics division), the technology has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to be integrated into other manufacturers’ products as well.
The timing of AutoCaptain’s release is no coincidence. Recent advances in sensor technology, artificial intelligence processing capabilities, and onboard computing power have finally made it possible to deliver reliable autonomous systems for marine applications. These technological developments have converged with evolving consumer expectations, as people have grown increasingly comfortable with assisted technologies in their cars, aircraft, and everyday devices. Foulkes notes that these systems are now “predictable, transparent, and intuitive; not experimental,” making this the perfect moment for boating to experience the same thoughtful evolution that has transformed other transportation sectors while still “respecting the captain” and making boating “more accessible and less intimidating.”
For many boating enthusiasts who cherish their time at the helm as a form of relaxation rather than mere transportation, there might be concerns that autonomous technology could diminish the joy of boating. Brunswick has carefully considered this aspect in developing AutoCaptain. Foulkes emphasizes that they’ve created the system with enjoyment in mind, focusing on what he calls “situational autonomy.” After extensive conversations with both experienced boaters and newcomers, Brunswick identified that stress on the water typically comes not from cruising in open water but from challenging maneuvers like docking, navigating tight spaces, dealing with wind and current, or operating in crowded marinas. AutoCaptain is specifically designed to assist in these high-stress situations while leaving the enjoyable aspects of boat operation firmly in human hands.
Safety and reliability were paramount in AutoCaptain’s development. The system operates within carefully defined parameters regarding speed, environmental conditions, and situational boundaries. If conditions ever fall outside these parameters, control seamlessly returns to the human captain. This focus on “safety, clarity, and predictability” forms the foundation of the technology’s design philosophy. Additionally, Brunswick has designed AutoCaptain with future-proofing in mind. Customers who purchase vessels equipped with this technology won’t be left behind as innovations continue. The hardware installed today is already capable of supporting additional functionality beyond what’s initially available, with more features planned for release through software upgrades in the coming years.
The rollout of AutoCaptain technology begins with the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest, where it’s currently available. Brunswick plans to expand availability to other boat manufacturers starting in 2026, including Sea Ray, another brand in Brunswick’s extensive portfolio. This gradual implementation allows Brunswick to refine the technology further while introducing boaters to autonomous features in a measured way. By addressing the most challenging aspects of boat operation while preserving the fundamental joys of boating, Brunswick’s AutoCaptain represents not just a technological innovation but a thoughtful evolution of the boating experience – one that makes time on the water more accessible and enjoyable for both seasoned captains and those new to boating alike.
