Simrad® AutoCaptain™ wins 2026 CES Picks Award for breakthrough autonomous boating technology

Simrad® AutoCaptain™ wins 2026 CES Picks Award © Simrad

Simrad Marine Electronics, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, proudly announces that its Simrad® AutoCaptain™ Autonomous Boating System has been honored with a 2026 CES Picks Award in the TWICE Picks category. This prestigious recognition celebrates AutoCaptain as a groundbreaking innovation in marine technology, delivering full auto-docking capabilities - including docking, undocking, and short-distance maneuvering.

"AutoCaptain's debut at CES as a commercially available solution marks a major milestone in Brunswick's ACES strategy and our vision for the future of recreational boating," said Áine Denari, Brunswick Chief Technology Officer and Navico Group EVP & President. Following an extensive concept and development phase, we're proud to deliver a truly autonomous system that redefines what's possible on the water. This innovation underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing safety, convenience, and confidence for boaters everywhere. We are honored that the CES Picks Awards judges recognized the passion, expertise, and dedication our team invested in bringing this revolutionary technology to life."

AutoCaptain goes beyond basic assistance. With real-time 360-degree situational awareness, the system autonomously performs docking and undocking maneuvers, even in tight quarters and challenging situations. Intelligent adjustments counteract wind, current, and nearby obstacles detected by the system, ensuring every movement is smooth and deliberate while under the watchful eye of the captain at the helm. While some systems rely on GPS and require returning to a previously mapped location, AutoCaptain is designed to work anywhere - not just where the boat has been before. When arriving at a new marina or navigating unfamiliar waters, the system dynamically adapts to the environment in real time, giving boaters the freedom and confidence to explore without constraints. The system also features the capability to firmly hold the vessel against the dock, maintaining position while users prepare the lines, fenders, and secure the vessel to dock.

Developed in close collaboration with Mercury Marine®, AutoCaptain exclusively integrates with Mercury's advanced propulsion system and intuitive joystick controls. Leveraging a network of cameras, cutting-edge propulsion technology, and real-time monitoring via a Simrad® display, AutoCaptain delivers a truly unified control experience. Unlike aftermarket solutions, this fully integrated system is built directly into the vessel's design, preserving its aesthetics while providing unparalleled precision, ease of use, and situational awareness. This purpose-built integration unlocks a control experience that no piecemeal solution can match.

AutoCaptain is designed as a scalable, future-ready platform. With the flexibility to support enhancements over time, the system is built to evolve - delivering smarter, safer, and more intuitive boating experiences as new capabilities become available. Whether navigating a marina or docking the boat, AutoCaptain ensures boaters are always one step ahead. Simrad® AutoCaptain is available on select Boston Whaler® 405 Conquest models and will continue to expand availability through additional boatbuilder partners in the near future.

The CES Picks Awards honor brands leading the way with innovative products and creative solutions. Judged by a panel of industry experts, these awards recognize the best new products showcased at CES. The editorial team noted, "The Picks Awards celebrate outstanding products across consumer technology and innovative solutions that can transform industries. This year's winners represent excellence and ingenuity - congratulations to all."

For more information about the Simrad® AutoCaptain, visit www.simrad-yachting.com. To read more about the 2026 CES Picks Award, click here.