Brunswick's latest boats at CES 2026 feature edge AI, self-docking capabilities and solar power

Docking a boat can be a stressful experience, often complicated by external factors and public scrutiny. Brunswick, a company owning numerous marine brands, is introducing AutoCaptain, a self-docking technology to ease this process. This innovation is being showcased at CES 2026 alongside other advanced features. A key technology enabling this is edge AI, which functions without a constant internet connection, crucial for boats that often lose connectivity offshore. Brunswick's on-boat AI assistant, named Misty, can operate offline for navigation and boat settings, unlike remote-reliant car AIs. While Misty can't handle complex tasks offline, it aids in understanding manuals and smoothing boating operations. When connected, smart boats offer remote monitoring and pre-conditioning of cabin environments. Powering these systems is the Fathom integrated power system, utilizing solar panels and large battery storage. This stored energy can power various onboard functions, including electric hydrofoils. AutoCaptain's docking assistance relies on fisheye cameras on the boat's roof. The system prompts for docking help, allowing the AI to take control via a touchscreen interface. These advancements in automated docking, in-cabin AI, and smart power systems are featured on high-end boats like the Sea Ray SLX 360 and Navan C30, reflecting significant technological integration.