Specifically intended for recreational boating, Azimut|Benetti Group has set a new standard for safety at sea by unveiling the revolutionary AI-based WATCHIT Eye collision prevention system. Azimut|Benetti Group’s R&D Department pioneered the idea, while the namesake marine-tech company WATCHIT led by former naval commander and seasoned captain Tal Duvdevany was responsible for its technical development.
More than just an exercise in innovation, WATCHIT Eye is a real-world validated, shared technology already incorporated into the Group’s new models while being available for installation across its fleet. First introduced on the Azimut Fly 82 which globally debuted at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, it also features on the Seadeck 7 Hybrid yacht which embodies cutting edge innovations developed by both the Group’s Shipyard and R&D Department.
WATCHIT Eye marks a paradigm shift in at sea risk management at sea by focusing on alert timing instead of the distance to an obstacle, ideally supporting captains with ample advance warning & giving them more time to respond to obstacles including other vessels, tenders, ribs and also small objects like kayaks, marking buoys or floating obstacles. This enhances safety by significantly reducing both accidents & yacht grounding risks, especially in the recreational boating field where these are the main critical dangers.
Following on from the WATCHIT system’s first generation, this new “Eye” version developed with Azimut|Benetti Group uses an AI engine to filter real and manageable risks, making use of combined data from various onboard sensors and a 4D Imaging Radar to alert the captain only when there is a genuine collision risk from detected obstacles. The engine itself operates on multiple levels, firstly acting as a co-pilot who conducts real-time risk assessments while emulating an experienced captain’s decision-making processes. It also enables continuous cloud data collection with immediate analysis, adapting the risk warning system to different contextual navigation modes including port manoeuvres, open sea cruising, and navigating through congested waters.
Using this highly integrated information, WATCHIT Eye can identify threats from all aspects & generate timely alerts, enabling higher concentration levels and quicker decision-making for captains while making their jobs less taxing. On top of this, the High Frequency 4D Imaging Radar boasts excellent short-range detection, precise tracking & target recognition unaffected by fog, rain or darkness, with a better cost-to-performance ratio than more average marine radars or cameras. Recognizing its positive impact in making navigation safer, it has already been shortlisted for the 2025 Boat Builder Awards in the “Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner” category.
