Eight Knot Inc. has been developing autonomous navigation systems for small vessels.According to the CEO, Yujin Kimura, once Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN enables fully autonomous navigation , the technology will address challenges faced by remote islands, such as depopulation and an aging local population. His vision is to broadly deploy AI CAPTAIN for a world where everybody has the freedom to live and move, and to reinforce maritime safety. He shared with us his thoughts.
Please tell us about Eight Knot Inc.’s service, AI CAPTAIN.
AI CAPTAIN is an autonomous navigation platform for small vessels. The boat’s destination is entered into the tablet installed in the cockpit; AI suggests an optimal route to the destination, then safely navigates the boat, avoiding other vessels and obstacles. AI also assists in steering maneuvers that require advanced skills, such as departing and docking.
*From Eight Knot Inc.’s website
AI CAPTAIN is versatile and can be installed in almost all vessels 19 tons and smaller, such as fishing boats, pleasure boats, passenger boats, cargo carriers, work boats, and rescue boats. It can begin automated navigation immediately after installation.
Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN can be installed in boats of various purposes
*From Eight Knot Inc.’s website
In ground transportation, many new auto-driving assistance technologies, such as distance control and cruise control, have been developed. However, there has been little advancement for boats. High levels of skill and training are required to pilot a boat, taking years to become a solid sailor or captain. The captain’s experience level also affects the safety of the trip.
AI CAPTAIN will help improve safety and mitigate the shortage in the sailing workforce by assisting the captain’s steering.
Please tell us why you decided to start this business.
I was young and had just gotten my boat pilot’s license. On my first fishing trip with a friend, piloting was so difficult that I barely had a moment to enjoy fishing. This became my formative experience.
However, that was also when I realized, “For cars and other ground mobility vehicles, AI-based auto-driving assistance technologies are advancing rapidly, but almost no one is working on comparable technologies for maritime mobility.” I started thinking about how I could apply my career experience in robotics by harnessing AI to update boat steering techniques, which may ultimately help resolve various societal issues.
Please tell us about your current challenges and where Eight Knot is headed.
One of our priority societal issues is the sea routes surrounding remote islands. Japan has more than 400 inhabited islands (*1), over 300 of which are connected to the mainland only by ferryboats and not by bridges. More than a third of these ferries operate at a loss (*2), and many rely on federal and local government subsidies.
*1 Reference: “The Configuration of Japan’s Islands,” Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Reiwa 6 (2024)
*2 Reference: From “1. Current Status of Auxiliary Routes 1-4” of the “On the Remote Island Route Subsidies Improvement Discussion Meeting” by MLIT, Heisei 20 (2008)
Although these ferries are vital for islanders, the services are being reduced or even terminated, making the situation unsustainable. As a result, young people are driven away from their islands, further decreasing ferry users, which leads to reduced services and higher fares, creating a vicious cycle.
AI CAPTAIN can ease the burden on sailors and captains through auto-navigation, alleviating staff shortage issues. It will revitalize human transportation and logistics, lowering fares and shipping costs. If life on the islands becomes more convenient and comfortable, people may choose to relocate to these islands, which often boast an incredible natural environment, and tourism may rise.
So, we are currently running verification tests involving the remote islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Additionally, we began the trial operation of a smart sea bus in Hiroshima, on the route connecting Osakikamijima and Takehara Port, in January 2025.
In the future, we aim to achieve uncrewed navigation. This service will enable users to summon a boat through an app, like taxis. Everyone should have the right to live where they choose and go where they wish, and our vision is to support their right through aquatic mobility. As the pioneers of autonomous navigation development, we will remain committed to our mission.
At the Second HeCNOS AWARD Presentation (2024)
As a result of this award, the company has been selected to exhibit at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
