News

Azimut|Benetti Group has revealed details of WatchIt Eye, an AI-based collision-prevention system designed specifically for recreational boating. WatchIt Eye is a collaboration between the Group’s R&D Department and WatchIt, a marine-tech company led by former naval commander and captain Tal Duvdevany.

“WatchIt brings proactive safety to the water, automating risk detection so captains can focus on what really matters: safe, confident navigation,” Duvdevany said. “With WatchIt Eye, we’re setting a new standard in how boats understand their surroundings and respond in real time.”

Designed to detect obstacles ranging from floating objects to vessels and underwater hazards, the product was a nominee in the ‘Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner’ category of the Boat Builder Awards 2025, which were held at the Metstrade indoor show in the Netherlands in November.

WatchIt Eye has already been installed on new Azimut motoryachts including the Fly 82, which debuted at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, and is available for installation across the fleet.

Created specifically for the recreational boating sector, where collisions and groundings are among

critical issues, WatchIt Eye focuses on alert timing – rather than the distance from an obstacle – and providing the right amount of advance warning to best support the captain.

This allows a captain more time to respond to obstacles such as vessels, tenders, ribs and small objects like kayaks, marking buoys or floating obstacles, as well as yacht-grounding risks, so enhancing safety and significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

Azimut Fly 82

Following the first generation of the WatchIt system, the Eye version developed with Azimut|Benetti Group uses the AI engine to filter real and manageable risks, combining data from various onboard sensors together with a dedicated and custom developed 4D Imaging Radar and alerting the captain only when the detected obstacles pose a genuine risk of collision.

The AI engine underlying this system operates on multiple levels. It’s designed to emulate the decision-making process of an experienced captain, acting as a co-pilot who performs real-time risk assessments.

Furthermore, it enables continuous data collection in the cloud and immediate analysis, and recognises different navigation modes, adapting the risk warning system to the context: port manoeuvres, open-sea cruising or navigating through congested waters.

Due to this information integration, the system can identify threats from all directions and generate timely alerts that allow for high levels of concentration and improved decision-making.

Compared to average marine radars and cameras, the High Frequency 4D Imaging Radar provides excellent short-range detection, precise tracking and target recognition not affected by fog, rain or darkness, as well as “the best ratio of cost to performance”, according to Azimut|Benetti Group.

Alessandro Rossi, Azimut|Benetti Group’s Chief Product Officer, said: “The development of WatchIt Eye demonstrates how our R&D Department is not only focused on integrating the most advanced technologies in collaboration with our partners but also boosting the adoption of advanced solutions coming from other industries, to enhance onboard devices and create tools yacht owners truly need.

“The introduction of this system represents a real advancement in navigation safety, consistent with the Group’s mission to combine innovation and well-being on board.”

azimutyachts.com

benettiyachts.it

eye.watchit.ai