Using cameras, sensors and AI, the LOOKOUT display on the right … [+]
To be completely honest, I started “piloting” small boats in large bodies of water long before the magic of GPS took my “dead reckoning” from piloting small boats in large bodies of water, so while I love that proper technology can help reduce stress on the water, I’m still a bit of a caveman when it comes to technology.
But now, thanks to a team of AI researchers, video game developers, 3D designers, and hardware engineers who developed the LOOKOUT camera system, even people like me can benefit from technology that uses advanced computer vision algorithms to detect and track everything from other ships, wreckage, whales, and even people in the water, making boating easier and safer.
“We live in an era where AI, augmented reality and spatial computing are transforming navigation and safety,” said David Rose, CEO of LOOKOUT. “Boating should benefit from the same innovation we’re seeing in automotive and aerospace. LOOKOUT brings together AI technology with intuitive, beautiful and informative software design to provide clarity in challenging conditions, especially in low light, fog and crowded harbors.”
LOOKOUT also provides real-time collision avoidance data
Here’s how it works: LOOKOUT combines data from charts, AIS, radar targets and online sources into a vivid 3D augmented reality view that works with Garmin, Furuno, Raymarine and Simrad systems. Oh, and the system also works with smartphones.
The system has received positive feedback from shipyards. “LOOKOUT’s sensing and data-sharing capabilities are what today’s vessels need,” says Todd Tally, general manager of Atlantic Marine Electronics, a subsidiary of VIKING Yachts. “Knowing that a nearby vessel has detected a floating log or whale is a game changer. Similar to Waze, it provides a network of watchful eyes on the water, keeping everyone safe.”
And, of course, boat-loving tech investors also rate LOOKOUT highly.
“I invested in LOOKOUT not only because of its potential for recreational boating, but also because it is a must-have technology for ferries, police and military vessels, inland tugs and workboats that are concerned about hitting logs,” said Rich Miner, Android inventor, Google Ventures partner and avid boater.
Oh I wish we had had something like this in the late 80’s, boating would have been a lot less scary.
