Simrad Debuts AutoCaptain - First Fully Autonomous Maneuvering System
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Simrad Marine Electronics has announced the launch of the AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System. The system features full autonomous capabilities, including docking, undocking, and short distance maneuvering.
The system is a big advancement for the Brunswick-owned brand and marks the next step in the conglomerates ACES strategy to develop fully autonomous boating.
Unlike other assistance-based systems currently on the market, AutoCaptain provides true autonomous maneuvering using Mercury Marine propulsion integration and a dedicated Simrad display app.
AutoCaptain will be officially introduced today 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 commercialized 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.”
In essence, the AutoCaptain goes beyond basic assistance or real-time inputting to provide completely autonomous maneuvering. With real-time 360-degree situational awareness, the system autonomously performs docking and undocking maneuvers, even in tight quarters or under challenging situations. The system reacts to intelligently make adjustments for wind, current, and obstacles as they are detected by the system. The captain can maintain complete oversight while underway and interject at any time. While some systems rely on GPS and require returning to a previously mapped location, AutoCaptain is designed to work anywhere – not just where has already had a location pinged. When arriving at a new marina or navigating unfamiliar waters, AutoCaptain adapts to the environment in real time and features the capability to hold the vessel against a dock, maintain position while users prepare the lines or fenders, and while securing the vessel to dock.
Developed in collaboration with Mercury Marine, AutoCaptain will be launched as an exclusive integration with Mercury’s propulsion systems and joystick controls. Leveraging a network of cameras and real-time monitoring via a Simrad display, AutoCaptain is built directly into the vessel’s design.
As the technology develops, AutoCaptain is also designed as a scalable, future-ready platform. With the flexibility to support enhancements over time, the system is built to evolve – meaning that both Simrad and Brunswick expect the capability, and the ability, to add new components and features as they become available.
“AutoCaptain shows the strengths of Brunswick synergies, becoming a powerful future-ready platform for OEMs and their customers,” said Jeremiah Clark, VP of Product Management, Electronic Solutions for Navico Group.
“This system is designed for every level of experience – whether a short-handed captain, new boaters looking for added confidence, or a seasoned captain navigating tight spaces – the system delivers dependable support when it’s needed most. It’s a smart, intuitive solution that enhances the boating experience today and evolves with the needs of tomorrow.”
Simrad AutoCaptain will make its official debut on Boston Whaler 405 Conquest models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at the end of October, where it will be available for purchase and on-water demonstrations. It will also be on display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6th-9th. Following an extensive concept and development phase, it will be the product’s first appearance at CES as a commercially available solution.
You can get the first look at the AutoCaptain system in action below:
