Anschütz launches autonomous navigation technologies as “Anschütz Autonomics

The German navigation systems expert, Anschütz, has officially launched its new line of solutions for autonomous navigation and mission automation under the name Anschütz Autonomics. The announcement follows a series of successful demonstrations.

“Anschütz Autonomics represents a true innovation for unmanned operations in maritime security, defence, and commercial applications,” said Andreas Weidner, Managing Director at Anschütz GmbH. “Scalable from assistance systems to highly automated solutions – and from monitoring and controlling unmanned surface vessels to automating large, manned ships, it delivers new value across a wide range of use cases.”

Anschütz Autonomics is built on certified and operationally proven components. It enables safe and precise autonomous navigation, as well as automated tactical operations that can be monitored and remotely controlled from shore-based centres.

The system comprises two core elements: The SYNAPSIS Autonomics Navigation Suite enhances the capabilities of established integrated navigation systems by incorporating optical target tracking, COLREG-compliant collision avoidance, and advanced motion control for accurate manoeuvring and station keeping. SYNTACS Autonomics automates mission execution, including threat and doctrine management, tactical behaviours, and payload integration.

Together, Anschütz Autonomics provides a range of proven functionalities, including:

• High-speed track and speed control

• Dynamic collision avoidance in accordance with COLREGs

• Targeted interception and reconnaissance

• Automated shadowing and escorting of high-value or suspicious targets

• Data fusion into a common operational picture

• Full remote control from mobile tactical centres

Beyond commercial applications, Anschütz Autonomics also enables software-defined defence and provides high flexibility for the autonomous execution of a wide variety of naval missions. It is designed for superior Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and can also be employed to shadow suspicious targets, escort high-value assets or conduct underwater operations such as mine detection.

The system has been successfully demonstrated in collaboration with German Naval Yards and CMN in France, and most recently with the German Navy. During these trials, unmanned surface vessels executed precise, high-speed manoeuvres, avoided obstacles and intercepted targets – all remotely controlled from a command centre.

Furthermore, since joining the CAPTN initiative in 2023, Anschütz technology has completed more than 250 autonomous collision-avoidance manoeuvres on the Kiel Fjord – all under real operating conditions.