A.I. Adoption Is Redefining The Recreational Boating Landscape
Self-docking boats and biometric facial recognition are just some of the ways A.I. is changing boating.
Smarter, Safer, and Simpler Boating
Are you utilizing A.I. technology to ensure that you get the most out of your boating experience? Find out more about the latest marine A.I. trends and the different ways that A.I. technology is making a splash in the boating world, simplifying processes through data-driven insights and complex algorithms making boating a more seamless and rewarding experience.
A.I. technology is not just for the latest releases in the luxury yacht industry; this technology can easily be deployed on the most humble of boats, implemented through useful retrofit applications, some of which only take a matter of minutes to set up at port.
Recreational Boating With Autonomous A.I. Technology
Autonomous boats have the power to revolutionize the boating industry, making it more accessible to new audiences with zero boating expertise or experience. While the technology is in its infancy stages, AquaSport, Hyundai and Twin Vee Announce Intelligent Autonomous Technology Partnership to create the world's first autonomously equipped recreational sport boat company. The first models are expected to debut in summer 2024.
Evoy, an electric engine manufacturer, and Zeabuzz, a world-leading autonomous navigation technology have also joined forces to produce the world’s first emission-free electric autonomous ferry and set to enter the leisure boating industry in years to come. Self-driving electric recreational boats that go from A-to-B at high speeds are on our horizons in the not-so-distant future.
Above: An AI-generated image depicting a self-docking boat equipped with intelligent autonomous navigation technology. Image by boats.com created using Dall-E 4.
Marine Litter Collection Workboats: Autonomous Vessels
Autonomous vessels are currently being used to help to clear up waterways by utilizing A.I. systems to detect and map plastic objects at sea, and better deploy cleanup resources to remove vast quantities of trash.
The Ocean Cleanup project, is a 2,000-foot capture system which consists of a U-shaped boom floating barrier made from sections of tube towed by two boats with a large net in the middle and swallows whatever is funneled inside. It is one of the best-funded and well-known undertakings and will serve as a blueprint for the future. With over 5 trillion pieces of rubbish in the ocean (and counting), The Ocean Cleanup utilizes multiple AI. Marine systems built by Azure Machine Learning for training and deploying image recognition models.
Smart Boating: Enhanced Internal Systems
Smart boat automation systems utilize an array of sensors and advanced analytics, components and systems, from engines to propellers, are meticulously monitored. Here are some of the ways that automated systems are transforming the recreation boating landscape:
- Navigation
- User Experience
- Safety and Maintenance
- Security
Navigation
Boat charters and boat owners utilize integrated A.I. assisted navigation systems on the open water that optimize ‘green routes’ using real-time data on engine performance, weather, and fuel capacity with an aim to reduce fuel consumption and pollution, appealing to environmentally-conscious clients and lowering the costs of running a vessel.
AI-powered navigation systems that incorporate advanced GPS technology, radar systems, and sonar provide added security, reducing risk by averting dangerous situations on a voyage before they happen. Get proactive alerts about marine traffic updates, changes in weather conditions, automated log books, position tracking, emergency support. Dashboard for boat monitoring. While sailing purists may turn their nose up at the idea of relying on technology, the additional support can aid you through out of trouble, saving lives.
Check out Wayfinder’s package iNav4u designed by cruisers for cruisers is a ‘yacht brain’ that oversees all onboard instruments and systems. Stay informed with instant alerts, alarms, and expert suggestions enabling sailors to effortlessly navigate their journey with precision.
Above: INav4U. Image via INav4U.
User Experience: Interactive And Personalized
Interacting with the yacht via voice commands enhances guests comfort and provides convenience onboard. One example of this is Azimut's Magellano 60 (presented at Cannes in 2023) has introduced a new smart boat automation system which brings artificial intelligence on board, enabling users to control, even remotely, various functions on board through an app. developed by the shipyard in partnership with Google Cloud and replies through a proprietary app via commands that allow you to control, even remotely, from climate control to entertainment, lighting, and more.
Personalized Experiences Through A.I driven Recommendations
AI-powered virtual assistants recommendation engines is beginning to change the client experience of chartering a yacht, whether it's suggesting the perfect yacht based on your preferences or curating a bespoke itinerary for an unforgettable trip to suit their clients needs, selecting a yacht, and can answer guest queries, provide information about the yacht’s amenities, and offer recommendations for activities and dining options.
AI algorithms analyze data from historic charters, customer feedback, and real-time information, such as weather conditions, to ensure that the yacht charter runs smoothly. AI algorithms suggest onboard services, such as catering options, entertainment choices, and even crew members based on your history, preferences and feedback.
Safety And Maintenance
AI algorithms can detect anomalies and patterns that could indicate potential issues, faults, or signs of wear and tear on your boat enabling timely intervention and preventive maintenance scheduling, preventing breakdowns, mitigates accidents, and optimizes operational efficiency and safety of vessels.
AI programs can find potential problems before they become dangerous by continuously analyzing the performance of different systems and parts, improving the safety of the yacht and ensuring the client has a smooth experience.
Increased Security
Above: Boarding a boat with A.I. technology using intelligent biometric data. Image via Pond5.
Remote monitoring through A.I. security apps that interact with cameras for boats and sensors alerts users if the boat moves more than 20 ft from port, and low resolution still photographs are taken every 15 minutes, 24-hours a day. Given the high value of boats and yachts, these apps have been a welcome addition, helping boaters to relax inland. Wireless intruder sensors fitted on the main and fore hatches of yachts and boats can set off a noisy alarm, and notify you through email and text messages available immediately on both web and mobile apps.
You can also monitor outboards, jet skis. RIBs and other toys and tenders, which are often easy targets for a quick getaway. This technology is easy to retrofit without any special tools, drilling or electrics. Some of the best A.I. security apps on the market today include BRNKL, Blink, Yacht Sentinel, Raymarine and VirCru.
Luxury yachts are using biometric guest recognition systems to enhance security, taking biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to verify the guests identity streamlining the boarding process and reducing wait times while providing an additional layer of security.
Futuristic Yacht Design: Speed And Efficiency
Predominantly in use in the high-end custom superyacht industry, rather than mid-sized boats, A.I. tools such as Midjourney are being used in the initial stages of concept design thanks to their efficiency and speed. Superyacht designers also find them useful for creating automated videos to speed up client presentations when clients put pressure on design studios to produce visuals of every space, While some of the concepts churned out are inherently fanciful designs, they provide designers an opportunity to explore different creative avenues at speed. Specific keywords can prompt the creation of images, or existing renders can be optimized to produce larger, more detailed images.
