Brunswick Using AI for Self-Docking

Brunswick, the largest boat builder in the United States, is using artificial intelligence to develop autonomous docking systems in its boats. Indeed, it has formed a partnership with Apex.AI to develop autonomous technology throughout its boat lines.

The new collaboration means that Brunswick will incorporate Apex.AI’s Apex.Grace and Apex.Ida products into Brunswick’s existing autonomous system. The Apex products have been certified for safety. The Apex software will be applied to current – and future – sensors in Brunswick’s own docking technology.

Jan Becker, the Apex.AI CEO, said the software will “enhance the safety, functionality and convenience of recreational boating.”

Apex.AI is a Silicon Valley startup with offices in Germany, Sweden, Japan, and South Korea. Its investors include Airbus, Daimler, Jaguar, Toyota, Volvo, and ZF, among others. It develops software that enables autonomous vehicles, emphasizing safety and zero-mistakes performance. It launched its first product, the award-winning Apex.Grace (formerly known as Apex.OS), after three years of R&D in 2020. It says it has more products in the pipeline that will revolutionize the use of software in the automotive industry.

For his part, Brandon Ferriman, the director of Brunswick’s autonomy program, said the Apex.AI technology will help to deliver “a frictionless consumer experience.” He said that Brunswick “chose Apex.OS – a safety-certified software solution – to support our autonomy features which provide our customers with a more convenient and enjoyable experience.”

Brunswick has been working on its autonomous docking system for some time. Last year, it held a test event in New York harbor using a Boston Whaler 405 Conquest equipped with its autonomous system. During the test, the Whaler was able to navigate around other boats (not an easy task in New York), pilings and floating debris and then dock in a slip without any human help.