Avikus

Avikus is a South Korean company specializing in the development of autonomous navigation systems for the maritime industry. It was established in January 2021 as an in-house startup of HD Hyundai (formerly Hyundai Heavy Industries Group), one of the world's largest shipbuilders. The company's creation followed the successful commercialization in 2020 of the Hyundai intelligent Navigation Assistant System (HiNAS), a deep-learning-based navigation assistant system developed by its parent company. Avikus is led by CEO Do-hyeong Lim, who has been with the Hyundai group since at least 2014, gaining experience in various divisions before leading the charge in autonomous navigation.

Operating on a B2B model, Avikus provides its technology to both commercial shipping companies and the recreational boating market. Its primary product for the commercial sector is HiNAS, which has evolved into HiNAS 2.0. This system integrates data from multiple sensors like cameras, LiDAR, and radar, using AI and augmented reality to provide optimal route planning, speed control, and collision avoidance. This technology corresponds to Level 2 autonomous shipping as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), allowing for remote operation with a crew onboard. Trials have demonstrated that HiNAS Control can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and carbon emissions by 10%. The company has secured significant contracts to install this system on vessels for major shipping lines like H-Line Shipping, SK Shipping, and Sinokor Merchant Marine.

For the leisure market, Avikus developed NeuBoat, a product line offering AI-powered navigation and docking assistance for recreational boats, including yachts, sportfishing vessels, and catamarans. NeuBoat is offered in several modules: NeuBoat Navi provides navigation assistance and object recognition, while NeuBoat Dock uses a multi-camera system to create a 360-degree, 3D surround view for easier and safer docking. An advanced version, NeuBoat Control, links to the engine and steering for features like smart autopilot and auto-docking. The company is collaborating with marine electronics leader Raymarine to integrate NeuBoat into its navigation products. Following a Series B funding round in February 2024 that raised $13.5 million from its parent, HD Hyundai, Avikus is positioned to further expand its technology and market presence. Keywords: autonomous navigation, maritime technology, ship automation, HiNAS, NeuBoat, autonomous shipping, marine AI, vessel navigation systems, collision avoidance, smart docking, recreational boating technology, fuel efficiency for ships, maritime safety, Do-hyeong Lim, HD Hyundai, Hyundai Heavy Industries, marine electronics, AI navigation, Level 2 autonomy, autonomous voyage, commercial vessel solutions, leisure boat technology, self-driving boats, LiDAR marine, augmented reality navigation