Exploring the Future of Boating Technology: UI Students Showcase Innovative Designs at CES Las Vegas

CHAMPAIGN — Using artificial intelligence in any field comes with challenges like accuracy and data security. For Brunswick Corporation, there are even more obstacles.

“When you’re out on a boat, you want to enjoy the experience,” said Jeffrey Reifsnyder, director at Brunswick’s Boating Intelligence Design Lab, located at the University of Illinois Research Park. “People don’t want to be glued to their phones or worried about technology. They’re looking to escape.”

Reifsnyder understands that boaters usually prefer technology that isn’t intrusive. Therefore, a voice-activated AI might not suit their needs. Instead, a “multimodal agent” that communicates in various ways could be more appealing.

“That area is still unclear,” he added. “We’re exploring possibilities in the lab.”

The design lab, previously called Illini Joint Explorations in Technology, aims to envision Brunswick’s future needs over the next three to five years.

“The concept of ‘boating intelligence’ goes beyond just AI,” Reifsnyder explained. “It’s about integrating modern technology into boating.”

The lab is also a hub for talent. “Students are a crucial part of our work,” he shared.

Reifsnyder oversees around five to six full-time staff, each managing different tech areas. These employees often recruit students as interns to assist in their projects.

One such intern is Prathik Srinivasan, a master’s student in computer science. He has worked on developing “immersive simulators” during his internship.

“I’ve enjoyed exploring various projects and showcasing my work,” Srinivasan said.

Recently, a group of interns, including Srinivasan, attended CES in Las Vegas to help with Brunswick’s exhibit. “The interns did a fantastic job,” Reifsnyder noted. “Our booth was always busy, especially around the simulators.”

The Brunswick exhibit featured:

• A 200-degree virtual boat helm simulator, showcasing how an “AI-powered co-captain” might assist in the future.
• A Fliteboard simulator for visitors to experience riding an electric hydrofoil.
• Updates on an autonomous docking system, displayed both virtually and on a real 40-foot Boston Whaler 405 Conquest.
• A concept for a high-powered electric boat.

Reifsnyder mentioned that many of the simulators, like the Future Helm and Fliteboard, were predominantly created by students.

“The students are involved in every stage, from ideas to development and showcasing,” he said, emphasizing teamwork between students and the company’s divisions.

Srinivasan found it rewarding to see thousands of visitors engaging with their exhibit. He played a key role in designing the Fliteboard simulator and worked on the Future Helm too.

“The response was great, and I’m proud of what we achieved as a team,” he reflected. “It was exciting to see innovative tech from other companies as well.”

Looking to the future, Reifsnyder mentioned that Brunswick has been working on ways to use AI and data science in production.

A practical way customers might first notice AI in boating is how it communicates vital information collected by the boat’s systems. For instance, radar systems could be made more user-friendly.

“Radar currently presents information in a confusing way,” Reifsnyder pointed out. “We want to make it clearer.”

If Brunswick incorporates AI into its products, it’s essential to be transparent about its use, he added. Data security is also a top priority, especially regarding sensitive information like a boat’s location.

“These are not just AI challenges; they’re connected to how we manage data,” he said. Ensuring that data remains secure, whether stored locally or in the cloud, is crucial.