Mercury showcases automated docking for outboard-engined boats
Autonomous car tech straps on the water wings as Mercury demonstrates a self-docking system for smaller craftMercury has teased a self-learning, automated docking system for outboard motors – the first time the emerging technology has made the leap from stern-drive systems.
Several boating journalists took to social media over the weekend to say they were being taken to Lake X, Mercury’s US-based former proving ground, for a demonstration of new technology rolling out for future products.
However, Mercury was a bit more open about the experience, saying it was all about a revolutionary “assisted docking” system providing “a glimpse into the future of boating”.
“While not in the marketplace today, assisted docking technology is poised to revolutionise boat handling in the near the future,” Travis Merrill, the commercial business unit president for Raymarine’s parent company, FLIR, said.
“The upcoming demonstrations will be used to capture valuable market feedback that will help to work toward the adoption and commercialisation of these advanced technologies.”
Technology cross-overs
The Raymarine DockSense assisted-docking system, due for an official unveil at the upcoming Miami boat show, will feature on a 33-foot Boston Whaler Outrage. The boat is rigged with up to 700hp of twin Mercury Verado engines linked to its Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) and advanced piloting assist system, as well as Raymarine’s DockSense.
DockSense uses what Raymarie says is "advanced machine vision technology" to sense and identify potential obstacles in the vessel’s path. It feeds this informaotin back to the Mercury autonomous system to allow the boat’s JPO system to automatically respond and ensure a smooth docking process.
“Mercury’s new assisted-docking system is a core technology based on the latest aerospace control systems and autonomous car artificial intelligence,” Mercury said.
“Mercury’s powerful autonomous system will support a wide variety of future uses for assisted and semi-autonomous functionality, as it can be integrated with sensors like vision systems and lidar.
“This demonstrator provides an example as how Mercury’s technology is both high-performing and adaptable to partner systems, like DockSense to can make boating easier.”
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