- Technology and Innovation
The Digital Co-Pilot: The Software That Sees Moving Targets Before You Do
The Cognitive Burden: Simplifying Situational Awareness
Modern navigation demands constant vigilance, placing a significant cognitive burden on the captain, especially in congested harbors or poor visibility. Simrad, a leader in marine electronics since 1946, addressed this critical operational challenge with its new AutoTrack™ feature. Exhibited at METSTRADE 2025 and nominated for the prestigious DAME Design Awards, AutoTrack™ is a fundamental advancement in intelligent vessel awareness, designed to empower boaters with superior information without adding complexity.
AutoTrack: The Autonomous Radar Monitor
AutoTrack™ is essentially a sophisticated digital co-pilot that operates continuously in the background. The technology’s core function is to automatically detect, track, and prioritize moving vessels and targets. This is crucial for enhancing situational awareness: rather than forcing the captain to manually track every blip on the screen, AutoTrack™ highlights genuine risks. This autonomous radar monitoring provides greater clarity and confidence, helping boaters make smarter, faster decisions for safer journeys.
A Legacy of Reliability: From War to Water
Simrad’s commitment to high-performance products is rooted in a rich history spanning back to 1946. The brand originated from the union of pioneers like Robertson and Simonsen Radio, which began converting surplus radios for commercial fishing vessels just after WWII. This pedigree ensures that Simrad’s technology is proven in the harshest environments. Today, Simrad is the brand of choice for a broad range of demanding customers, from search and rescue operations to premium yacht builders, confirming its foundation in reliability.
Total Integration: The Navico Group Ecosystem
Simrad, as part of the broader Navico Group portfolio, benefits from integration across multiple industry-leading brands. This ecosystem covers everything from digital control and monitoring (CZone) and power management (Mastervolt) to specialized marine electronics. AutoTrack™ is engineered to integrate perfectly within this connected world, providing an enhanced layer of perception that complements systems like the legendary HALO® Pulse Compression radar and fully integrated Simrad® autopilots.
The Verdict: The Final Word on Safety Tech
Simrad’s DAME nomination for AutoTrack™ validates its role at the forefront of marine technology. The system represents the future of vessel awareness, utilizing autonomous monitoring to simplify risk assessment. By delivering advanced capabilities that enhance situational awareness without adding complexity, AutoTrack™ empowers yacht captains to navigate crowded waterways or cruise offshore with newfound clarity and confidence.
