VOLVO PENTA DEBUTS ASSISTED DOCKING VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE AT PALM BEACH

Mar 30, 2021

Volvo Penta Assisted Docking System.

Visitors to Volvo Penta’s booth at the 2021 Palm Beach International Boat Show will have an opportunity to “test drive” the new Assisted Docking system using a virtual reality (VR) simulator and to learn about the company’s full range of propulsion solutions that are aimed at creating an easy boating experience.

Debuted earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking technology aims to address one of the most challenging aspects of boating – docking. The system integrates a software layer developed in-house with the company’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and proprietary Inboard Performance System (IPS) for a complete package including human-machine interface (HMI) at the helm, electronics via the engine, propulsion systems and sensors, and advanced navigation processing power for a simpler boating experience, even in rough conditions. 

“From docking to undocking, we want to provide customers with an easy boating experience,” said Martin Bjuve, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “Assisted Docking is the latest in a long line of industry firsts from Volvo Penta and one that will for sure reduce the pulse of any captain, experienced or non-experienced.”

For the first time, Volvo Penta will deliver a VR experience at one of its exhibitions, giving visitors an opportunity to try Assisted Docking without ever leaving the shore. Participants will dock a 62’ yacht in VR, first with only the Volvo Penta joystick while adjusting for wind and current. Then they will feel the difference when trying the same scenario using Assisted Docking. They will learn how Volvo Penta’s new technology automatically compensates for external elemental forces, allowing captains to hold a steady position, turn precisely and move the boat forward and aft and side to side with precision in tight spaces regardless of sea conditions.
 
Additional Easy Boating solutions on display include:
 
• Volvo Penta IPS, which is recognized for impressive fuel savings and reduced emissions
• Next-generation Volvo Penta D6 engine with DPI sterndrive, offering smooth and silent shifting, superior performance and prolonged service intervals
• D13-1000, Volvo Penta’s most powerful engine
• Volvo Penta’s next-generation V8 gasoline engine, noted for fuel efficiency, power-to-weight ratio and much more
 
Volvo Penta will have two exhibit locations at the Palm Beach show. The main display, where the VR simulator will be located, is booth #1005. A second location is trailer booth #1016. Experts will be available at both locations to discuss Volvo Penta’s array of Easy Boating solutions.
 
Click here to view a video webcast on the new Assisted Docking technology, and click here to learn more about the system’s advanced features.