Avikus to launch system for self-driving leisure boats

Avikus, the autonomous navigation solutions affiliate of South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai Co., will launch New Boat Dock, a self-driving system for leisure boats. 

Avikus' strategy is to dominate the rapidly growing market for small boats and expand its business scope for self-navigation systems from large commercial vessels to smaller ships.

The company will unveil New Boat Dock at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival in Cannes, France, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, with Raymarine, a leading UK-based electronics maker for sea vessels. Launched in 1977, the event attracts an estimated 610 global companies and 54,000 people.

Avikus will demonstrate its system on three top-of-the-line leisure boats made by European manufacturers at the event to allow visitors to experience New Boat Dock in real time.

Avikus developed the system using its cutting-edge autonomous navigation technology and cooperation with Raymarine. New Boat Dock's multi-function display features a six-camera system that allows more precise operations in collision avoidance and berthing support.

The global market for self-navigation systems for leisure boats is expected to grow up to 300,000 units per year.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com