Partnership between Raymarine and Avikus for autonomous leisure boat systems © Julia Stinneford

British marine electronics specialist Raymarine has opened the 2023 Miami International Boat Show by signing a multi-year exclusivity business partnership agreement (EPA) with Avikus, Hyundai’s autonomous navigation in-house firm.

The two companies will exclusively cooperate on developing a range of autonomous leisure boat systems designed for different boat sizes, types and uses. This includes the development of the Raymarine x Avikus NeuBoat, described as the ‘world’s first’ autonomous leisure boat solution.

NeuBoat — a mash-up of the words “neuron” and “boat” — is an autonomous navigation system for recreational boats. It offers self-recognition, makes real-time decisions and handles controls when on the water. The companies say that autonomous boating technology will reduce difficulties in boating, such as docking and navigation in heavy traffic areas, making boat ownership more attractive, both for existing and new boaters.

The new agreement comes several months after the two firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2022.

“Raymarine is the perfect partner for Avikus,” says Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus. “Their technology and experience bring us the best opportunity to reach out to customers. The NeuBoat was already the most advanced autonomous leisure boat system, and with this exclusive business partnership it will continue to be the market leader for many years to come. We are incredibly excited to shape the future of boating with Raymarine, a future where the boater decides what to do without worrying about how.”

Gregoire Outters, general manager at Raymarine, adds: “In October we entered into an MOU with Avikus to explore the use of their technology in Raymarine chartplotters and establish a joint effort to develop exciting new autonomous solutions for the leisure marine industry.

“Today we are entering into an exclusive business partnership which will see Raymarine’s sensors become fully integrated with the innovative NeuBoat technology developed by Avikus. We are excited to work closely with Avikus to deliver the new technology into the hands of our customers, making boating more accessible and safer for everyone.”

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