Luxury yachts are growing into true technological gems, this time thanks to artificial intelligence. Smart boats equipped with sophisticated AI systems are optimizing navigation in ways that were previously unimaginable
AI Transforming the Superyacht Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various global industries, and the superyacht industry is no exception. Vessels equipped with AI technology, dubbed smart boats, are setting new standards in the luxury yachting experience, improving every aspect – from navigation, efficiency and safety to comfort and environmental sustainability.
Leading shipbuilders like Azimut, Rossinavi, Baltic Yachts and Feadship are using AI to expand the boundaries of life at sea. Federico Lantero, Head of Product Design at Azimut, told us his thoughts on AI shaping the industry today, and what he thinks the future holds.
Smart Home on High Seas
Azimut’s most important AI innovation project to date, developed in collaboration with Google Cloud and Reply, is about ‘being able to simply communicate with the boat in a very simple and intuitive way through voice commands,’ per Federico. The system allows owners to control lighting, climate control, entertainment and other features using simple voice commands.
The feature was first tested on the Magellano 60, and was previously only available in smart homes, but Lantero stresses the nautical version of this technology is more complex. ‘Our main challenge was integrating it into a product far away from normal conditions. We had to bring together different technologies to make it work seamlessly in a maritime environment.’
Improving Safety with AI: More than Just Convenience
Safety is a key area where AI is bringing tangible changes to the nautical world. For example, Azimut’s collision avoidance system uses AI to identify and alert on obstacles in the way, improving navigation safety in challenging waters.
While details remain confidential, Lantero shared that the system’s primary function is to help skippers identify nearby objects. ‘Its purpose is assisting, recognizing and alerting,’ he says, emphasizing that AI can serve as an extra pair of eyes on the ship. Other than Azimut, other shipbuilders are considering similar safety upgrades.
Ferretti Group is extensively using AI in software that also aids with collision avoidance and navigation. Finnish shipbuilder Baltic Yachts has integrated AI to improve safety and comfort – by using machine learning to monitor ship systems, their technology enables a reactive and adaptive experience, allowing the yacht to react to potential risks or anomalies in real time.
Feadship, another leading yacht manufacturer, is taking safety to the next level with their concept yacht Pure, which features a hidden AI-controlled bridge. This design not only contributes to a sleeker profile, but also improves stability and functionality without compromising navigational control.
Predictive Intelligence: The Future of Personalized Yachting
One of the most exciting nautical applications of AI is related to its ability to learn and anticipate user behavior, even for simple systems like stabilizers. Azimut’s AI can analyze data and recognize usage patterns, allowing it to plan specific tasks. ‘With AI, you can predict certain things, as it studies and then analyzes that data to take predictive actions,’ explains Lantero.
For example, if AI notices that the crew is using certain systems at certain times, it can get them ready for use in advance – whether it’s charging batteries or using the air conditioning, this predictive ability adapts the yacht to the owner’s preferences and schedule.
Rossinavi, another Italian yacht builder, has also embraced predictive AI. Their 50-meter hybrid yacht ‘No Stress Two’ operates in multiple modes, from all-diesel to all-electric, while AI manages battery levels and monitors environmental impact. It also communicates with the crew to make operational adjustments that increase efficiency and reduce emissions, making the yacht not only smarter, but also more environmentally friendly.
Seamless and Intuitive Design with AI
AI is not just optimizing onboard operations – it’s also changing the yacht design process. Olesinski Design Studio, world-famous designer in charge of Princess Yachts, is using AI to accelerate the development of yacht concepts, allowing designers to explore thousands of design solutions quickly and efficiently. This AI-powered approach reduces the time and cost of developing new models, enabling innovative designs that meet all the expectations of owners perfectly.
Feadship’s AI-integrated approach to design, as seen on their concept yacht Pure, demonstrates the creative potential of AI in aesthetics, as well. The mentioned hidden bridge and sleek profile of Pure demonstrate how AI can spur bolder design without compromising functionality or safety. By integrating advanced control systems that improve navigation and stability, Feadship is paving the way for AI-powered yachts that are as convenient as they are aesthetically pleasing.
Setting New Standards: AI and the Future of Yachting
As AI technology advances, the possibilities for developing smart yachts continue to expand. Azimut already has a dedicated team of more than 20 engineers working on new ways to integrate AI into their products, with plans to expand usage onto remote access, energy management and predictive maintenance.
Baltic Yachts, Rossinavi, Princess, Ferretti and Feadship are also pushing the boundaries of AI in yachting, each of them focusing on their unique interest – including hybrid propulsion, advanced safety systems and intuitive design.
All these innovations share the common goal: improving user experience, making navigation more sustainable, enjoyable and customized. Whether it’s Azimut’s user-friendly voice control, Rossinavi’s eco-efficient propulsion systems or Feadship’s futuristic designs, AI integration is setting new standards in the industry.
Yacht owners can look forward to yachts that not only anticipate their needs, but also minimize their environmental impact, ensuring a luxury yachting experience that is as responsible as it is sophisticated.
Text Trešnja Ferić Koludrović
Photos Feadship, Rossinavi & Azimut
