EightKnot AI CAPTAIN

This is Eight Knot's vessel intelligence technology, built on AI and robotics. It covers the core technologies required for autonomous navigation, from perceiving the surrounding environment and making decisions appropriate to the situation through to controlling the vessel itself.

Advantages of EightKnot's Intelligence Technology

01

Continuous accumulation of diverse real-vessel and real-world environment data

We continuously accumulate operational data from autonomous navigation and maneuvering assistance on actual vessels, organized by hull type, and feed differences in behavior under real conditions such as currents, wind, and waves back into our learning. This delivers stable control in real sea conditions, and this proven record has also led to collaboration with leading manufacturers.

02

Hull models built for each hull type

We build the hull motion models essential for control for each hull type, and automatically estimate and optimize their parameters from real-vessel data. This removes the towing tank tests and weeks of expert tuning previously required, enabling rapid deployment regardless of hull type or propulsion system.

03

Control algorithms adapted to the characteristics of each hull

Model Predictive Control (MPC), which accounts for external disturbances such as wind, waves, and currents, provides end-to-end, high-precision control across docking and undocking, station keeping, and navigation. It enables smooth, safe maneuvering even in adverse weather, and maintains consistent control quality across different vessel types and sea conditions.

System

EightKnot AI CAPTAIN System

A packaged system that integrates the technologies making up Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN. It can be retrofitted to existing small vessels, giving access to the full set of functions required for autonomous navigation, including docking and undocking, route setting, and avoidance of other vessels and obstacles. The functions installed can also be selected according to the intended use. Even during autonomous navigation, the system is designed to be operated under the supervision of a licensed captain.

Configuration Example

GNSS / QZSS (Michibiki)RadarNetworkAISLiDARCameraUI DisplayJoystickControl Unit

Available Functions

Autonomous navigation

Vessel & obstacle recognition / avoidance

Station keeping

Automatic docking & undocking

Remote monitoring system

Module

EightKnot AI CAPTAIN Module

Each technology making up Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN is offered as a module that marine equipment manufacturers can embed into their existing products. Functions such as maneuvering control, localization, perception, route generation, and safety decisions can be added as required, supporting enhanced functionality and automation in marine equipment.

Vessel intelligence modules at a glance

Scalable from the minimal configuration that enables autonomous navigation, expandable as needed.

Own Ship

GNSS/QZSS, IMU

Maps

Fishing area, depth, land, local rules

Destination

Touch input, remote terminal

Surroundings

Camera, LiDAR, RADAR, AIS

Nav Logs

Position, speed, rudder, RPM

Remote Monitor

Real-time monitoring

Info Monitor

Other ships, surroundings, own ship

Main Engine

Engine, steering, thrusters

Localization

Self-localization

Monitoring

Visualization & remote monitoring

Decision

Safety decisions (proceed / avoid)

Planning

Route generation (cruise / avoidance)

Perception

Vessel & obstacle recognition

Control

Route-following control (MPC)

Dynamics

Hull motion model estimation

Vessel intelligence module lineup

Each module can be introduced individually or in combination.

Intelligence Technology Use Cases

Introduction of autonomous navigation platform

Introduction of autonomous navigation platform

Company Name
Bunker Supply Co., Ltd.
EightKnot Solution

『Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN System』

Implementation Details

The "Smart Marine Bus Yukihime" is equipped with the autonomous navigation platform "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN System."

While we were concerned about continuing operations due to a serious labor shortage, the practical application of autonomous vessels has reduced the burden on the crew. The AI ​​clearly indicates the ship's position, and the crew can double-check it, creating a strong sense of security and reducing fatigue during long voyages and anxiety during nighttime navigation.

We also expect that AI-assisted navigation will facilitate the entry of new personnel and female seafarers, leading to an environment where diverse talent can thrive.

Collision Avoidance System

Collision Avoidance System

Company Name
UNIKAS INDUSTRIAL INC.
EightKnot Solution

『Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN Module』

  • Localization / Perception / Decision / Control

Implementation Details

Intelligent Products
Collision Suppression Device

Co-Created Value
Automatically detects obstacles and reduces speed to prevent collisions before they occur
Adds AI-driven dual-layer safety to conventional vessel operation functions

Marine-Dedicated Video Recording System × Autonomous Navigation Technology

Marine-Dedicated Video Recording System × Autonomous Navigation Technology

Company Name
Yupiteru Corporation
EightKnot Solution

『Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN Module』

  • Perception

Implementation Details

Intelligent Products
Marine-Dedicated Video Recording System

Co-Created Value
Early detection of accident risk through the fusion of AI, sensors, and video analytics
Improved vessel safety through real-time detection and navigational safety prediction

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) × Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) × Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

Company Name
FullDepth Co., Ltd.
EightKnot Solution

『Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN Module』

  • Localization / Planning / Control

Implementation Details

Intelligent Products
Subsea Cable Inspection Solution for Offshore Wind

Co-Created Value
Labor and workforce reduction in subsea cable inspection through ASV×ROV collaboration
Improved safety and operational efficiency in offshore wind facility inspection