Brunswick Corporation will showcase its latest advancements in boating technology, focusing on AI and electrification, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The company emphasizes that the future of boating hinges on technological innovation and sustainability, aiming to enhance the consumer experience.
As CES evolves into a platform for various industries, Brunswick leads with cutting-edge AI developments intended to transform boating, ensuring a smarter and safer experience on the water.
The Future of Boating: AI Innovations at CES 2025
Brunswick’s Focus on Boating Intelligence
Brunswick Corporation, a major player in the boating industry, is heavily invested in “Boating Intelligence.” This strategy uses artificial intelligence and data analysis to transform the boating experience. Their goal is to make boating easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
The BI DesignLab and University Collaboration
Brunswick has partnered with the University of Illinois to create the “BI DesignLab.” This lab focuses on researching and developing new technologies for the boating industry. This collaboration shows Brunswick’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in boating technology.
What Brunswick Showcased at CES 2024
At CES 2024, Brunswick previewed some of their advancements in AI-powered boating. Key highlights included:
- Autonomous Docking: Technology that helps boaters dock their boats automatically, simplifying a tricky maneuver.
- Advanced Boating Simulators: These simulators offered a glimpse into future boating experiences and allowed users to test out new technologies.
Expectations for CES 2025
Building on their previous showcases, Brunswick is expected to present even more advanced AI applications at CES 2025. Potential areas of focus include:
- Enhanced Navigation Systems: AI could be used to create smarter navigation systems that can better predict weather patterns, avoid obstacles, and optimize routes.
- Improved Safety Features: AI could play a role in developing new safety features, such as collision avoidance systems or improved monitoring of boat systems.
- Personalized Boating Experiences: AI could personalize the boating experience by adapting to individual preferences and providing customized recommendations.
The Impact of AI on Boating
AI has the potential to revolutionize the boating industry. By automating tasks, enhancing safety, and personalizing the experience, AI can make boating more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. Brunswick’s work at CES highlights this trend and provides a glimpse into the future of recreational boating.
Key Brunswick Boating Innovations
| Innovation | Description | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Docking | Automated boat docking system. | Easier docking, reduced risk of damage. |
| Advanced Simulators | Realistic boating simulations. | Preview of future technologies, training tool. |
| AI-Enhanced Navigation (Expected) | AI-powered navigation systems. | Improved route planning, obstacle avoidance. |
| AI-Enhanced Safety (Expected) | AI-driven safety features. | Reduced accidents, improved boat monitoring. |
Short Summary:
- Brunswick’s display will feature groundbreaking AI and electrification technologies for boats.
- The exhibit includes advanced products like the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest and Veer electric boat.
- John Foulkes reaffirms the company’s commitment to integrating tech into marine recreation, tackling future industry challenges.
As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) gears up for its annual event in Las Vegas from January 7–10, 2025, Brunswick Corporation is making notable strides to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation within the boating sector. Although traditionally associated with consumer electronics, CES has become a vital platform for significant players in the marine industry. Brunswick CEO David Foulkes emphasizes the unique opportunity the show provides, stating,
“This is one of the few places where we can present ourselves entirely as Brunswick,”
which allows the company to showcase its comprehensive suite of brands and technologies, from Mercury Marine to Boston Whaler.
Brunswick’s participation in CES has evolved since its debut in 2020, where the company aimed to blend boating with emerging tech. Foulkes reflects on the past exhibitions, noting how they’ve transformed from simple displays to a visionary “marina of the future” showcase. He expressed excitement over the evolution of their exhibit designs, saying,
“Last year, the concept was an oval aquadrome with multiple displays, but this one is a much larger marina of the future.”
This year’s exhibit promises to be the most intricate yet, integrating various digital and physical elements aimed at providing attendees an immersive experience.
Innovative Showpieces:
This year, one of the most anticipated displays includes a full-sized Boston Whaler 405 Conquest, which features groundbreaking auto-docking technology and advanced peripheral camera systems. This particular vessel exemplifies Brunswick’s dedication to innovation, offering customers enhanced convenience and safety on the water.
Additionally, the Sea Ray 280 SLX will be showcased, equipped with the state-of-the-art Fathom lithium-ion power management system that serves as a modern alternative to traditional batteries. The introduction of an electric boat brand called Veer highlights the company’s strategic aim to attract younger consumers, with the innovative 13-foot Veer featuring a Mercury Avator electric outboard engine.
Foulkes has often reinforced Brunswick’s identity as a tech-centric corporation, suggesting that portability and connectivity in marine technology are now pivotal. He noted,
“CES is part of our DNA,”
signifying the integral role that advanced technology occupies in Brunswick’s identity and operations.
Advancements in Marine Technology:
The focus on electric propulsion marks a significant deviation from traditional boating practices, with Brunswick reporting the successful production of over 6,000 electric outboards within a mere nine months—an unprecedented achievement in the industry. “We designed and built more than 6,000 electric outboards in the last nine months, a number almost unheard of for our industry,” Foulkes stated, underscoring the urgency for modernization in marine fuel systems.
Despite the impressive strides towards electrification, Foulkes acknowledges that technology adoption within the boating industry may progress gradually. Advanced features such as auto-docking will initially be reserved for higher-end models due to associated costs. However, he remains optimistic about the future, anticipating a swift uptake of Avator electric outboards, particularly within European markets where environmental regulations often limit combustion engine usage.
Sustainable Innovations Across the Industry:
Sustainability is a recurrent theme at CES 2025, with other marine giants like Volvo Penta also entering the spotlight. The Swedish manufacturer is unveiling its innovative IPS Professional platform, integrating hybrid electric and traditional combustion systems into a single, efficient driveline. This platform boasts the capability to operate on sustainable biofuels and includes an Eco Mode feature designed to minimize engine noise and reduce emissions during idle times.
As Volvo Penta strives for decarbonization across the marine industry, its president, Johan Inden, articulated the company’s mission, saying,
“We’re able to deliver a seamless and intuitive experience from helm to propeller,”
emphasizing the technological transferability across various marine applications. The IPS Professional platform is positioned to revolutionize propulsion solutions in superyachts and larger commercial vessels, promoting enhanced fuel efficiency.
Brunswick’s Broader Vision:
Brunswick Corporation remains committed to maximizing every boat’s potential water experience. The company integrates customer-centric technologies aimed at redefining marine recreation and improving accessibility. “We wanted to use CES as a platform to display our products and technologies to people who might not normally be exposed to contemporary boats and advanced marine propulsion,” Foulkes explained, signaling the intention of broadening the company’s market reach.
The organization has aligned its philosophy with the term “Next Never Rests”, showcasing a proactive approach in addressing contemporary boating challenges. This theme reflects an ongoing commitment to research and development as part of its ACES strategy: Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification, and Shared Access.
Each segment of the ACES strategy is fundamental in redefining how consumers experience boating. Under ‘Autonomy,’ Brunswick collaborates with esteemed institutions such as MIT and sea technology innovators like Sea Machines to elevate augmented boat operations.
‘Connectivity’ showcases leading-edge technologies such as the NAUTIC-ON and Vessel View Mobile systems that provide boaters real-time data and analytics for an enhanced experience. Furthermore, the ‘Electrification’ segment presents systems like Mastervolt advanced batteries, designed to replace conventional generators, along with shared-access initiatives through the Freedom Boat Club—the largest boat club globally, offering an alternative to boat ownership.
Looking Forward:
As CES 2025 approaches, Brunswick is keen on harnessing the attention of tech enthusiasts, investors, and potential partners alike. The company’s approach fuses boating with innovative tech developments, poised to resonate with a diverse audience. “The ability to present the combination of future concepts and tech — it works uniquely well,” Foulkes stated, recognizing the relevance of this multi-faceted approach.
Through dynamic engagement at CES, Brunswick intends to garner significant media coverage and unlock new partnership opportunities that could further enhance innovation in the boating industry. By highlighting its advancements at one of the world’s most recognized tech showcases, Brunswick aims to extend its influence and leadership within the marine sector.
