German navigation specialist Anschütz has introduced its new line of autonomous navigation and mission automation technologies under the name Anschütz Autonomics. The launch marks a major step in bringing automation to both unmanned and traditionally crewed vessels.
Anschütz GmbH has taken a decisive step into the future of maritime navigation with the official launch of Anschütz Autonomics, a new product line that delivers autonomous navigation and mission automation for both military and commercial use. The German company announced the move after a string of successful demonstrations in Europe.
“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.”
The system builds on Anschütz’s long history of developing integrated navigation technology. It combines certified and operationally proven components to ensure safe and precise autonomous navigation. It also supports tactical operations that can be monitored and controlled remotely from shore-based command centres.
At its core are two main elements. The SYNAPSIS Autonomics Navigation Suite enhances existing navigation systems with optical target tracking, collision avoidance in compliance with COLREGs, and advanced motion control for precise manoeuvring and station keeping. The SYNTACS Autonomics component automates mission execution, including threat and doctrine management, tactical behaviours, and payload control.
During trials with German Naval Yards, CMN in France, and most recently with the German Navy, unmanned surface vessels equipped with Anschütz Autonomics executed complex tasks such as obstacle avoidance, high-speed tracking, and target interception. All operations were remotely directed from a command centre.
Since joining the CAPTN initiative in 2023, Anschütz technology has also been tested on the Kiel Fjord, where it completed more than 250 autonomous collision-avoidance manoeuvres under real operating conditions.
Beyond commercial applications, Anschütz Autonomics is designed for naval operations such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It can also be used to escort high-value targets or detect underwater threats. For a company best known for precision navigation, Anschütz is now steering into a future where ships think and act with growing independence, one system at a time.
