Illinois-based Brunswick showed at this month’s CES in Las Vegas how it using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve boating.

The marine technology company debuted its Boating Intelligence initiative at the show. This is a comprehensive initiative to enhance Brunswick’s Aces (autonomous, connected, electrified and shared) strategy by incorporating AI capabilities and features into its products to deliver simpler, safer, smarter and more sustainable boating.

The CES exhibit seamlessly integrated digital and physical elements: a 200-degree virtual boat helm simulator introduced Brunswick’s AI-powered co-captain, offering an interactive experience that showcases features such as assisted navigation, safety monitoring and autonomous manoeuvres. Brunswick also unveiled its first Fliteboard eFoil immersive simulator, allowing attendees to ride an electric hydrofoil virtually using a handheld controller in realistically rendered environments.

“CES is the largest consumer technology event in the world, providing an ideal platform to showcase the ways in which Brunswick is working to redefine the boating experience and evolve boats from experiential products to smart, trusted partners for both owners and Freedom Boat Club members,” said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick CEO.

Brunswick also presented the latest development version of its autonomous docking system, both virtually in a 200-degree simulator and physically on a Boston Whaler 405 Conquest. Attendees witnessed live object tracking and classification, and interacted with the intuitive user interface concepts on a large Simrad multi-function display.

A high-voltage, fully integrated electric propulsion concept was demonstrated through a full, cut-away physical system augmented by animation.

Brunswick is home to more than 60 brands. In the category of marine propulsion, these include Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser and Flite. Its collection of parts, accessories, distribution and technology brands includes Mercury Parts & Accessories, Land ’N’ Sea, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Mastervolt, Relion, Attwood and Whale. Its boat brands include Boston Whaler, Lund, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft and Quicksilver. Its service, digital and shared-access businesses include Freedom Boat Club, Boateka and a range of financing, insurance and extended warranty businesses.

Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, Brunswick (www.Brunswick.com) has 17,000 employees operating in 25 countries.