Market Context — Why This Technology, Why Now

The push for maritime decarbonization and the increasing complexity of global supply chains are driving rapid innovation in autonomous shipping. Regulatory bodies are also exploring frameworks for unmanned vessel operations, creating a fertile ground for advanced guidance systems. This technology aligns perfectly with these trends, offering a practical solution to enhance vessel autonomy, reduce carbon footprints through optimized routes, and mitigate risks associated with human factors, positioning early adopters to capture a growing market share.

Key Competitive Advantages
01

Reduces computational load by over 80% (to less than 1/5) compared to high-load systems, enhancing real-time performance and lowering integration barriers for existing systems.

02

Maintains high-precision path adherence, suppressing deviations below a set threshold even with external disturbances like waves and currents, enabling stable operation in rough weather.

03

Enables precise navigation by easily following complex curved paths, including those difficult for conventional autopilots, crucial for narrow waterways and port maneuvers.

Market Opportunity
Maritime Shipping & Logistics
$20B globally (AI est.)
With increasing international trade volumes and growing demand for supply chain efficiency, automated navigation is crucial for reducing operational costs and ensuring timely deliveries.
Global shipping lines Logistics technology providers Autonomous vessel developers Port operators
Port & Offshore Operations
$350M domestically (AI est.)
Automated vessel operations for precise port entry/exit and workboats at offshore facilities (e.g., wind farms) could significantly enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Port authorities Offshore energy companies Marine construction firms Specialized workboat manufacturers
Fisheries & Aquaculture
$150M domestically (AI est.)
Automated navigation for fishing vessels could reduce labor, while automated guidance for monitoring and feeding boats in aquaculture could cut personnel costs and boost productivity.
Commercial fishing fleets Aquaculture technology providers Marine robotics companies Fishing vessel manufacturers
IP Defensibility — Why Competitors Can't Replicate This
What This Patent Covers

This patent protects a novel automated ship guidance method, program, and system, particularly its core computational process for dynamic target point calculation and steering angle derivation using pure pursuit control. The claims are robust, having overcome examiner objections, ensuring a clear and strong scope of protection for licensees.

Competitive White Space

This patent focuses on the core guidance algorithm. White space exists in developing advanced sensor fusion for obstacle detection, integrating with broader vessel management systems, or applying the core algorithm to non-marine autonomous vehicles with different propulsion systems.

Economic Impact
~$1.5M/year estimated operational cost reduction per enterprise (est.)
estimated ROI · USD · AI analysis
ROI Calculation Logic

Implementing this technology could enhance operational automation and stability, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing personnel costs. For example, an enterprise operating 10 large cargo vessels could achieve a 10% reduction in fuel costs, saving ~$1M/year (AI est.) (approx. $100K/ship/year (AI est.) for 10 ships), and optimize labor costs related to navigation, saving ~$350K/year (AI est.) (approx. $35K/ship/year (AI est.) for 10 ships). This totals an estimated ~$1.5M/year (AI est.) in cost savings. Further reductions in insurance premiums due to decreased accident risk are also possible.

Speed to Market
4× faster than in-house development
This technology is based on a well-established pure pursuit guidance algorithm, with its core computational process clearly defined and protected by patent. This eliminates the need for licensees to conduct R&D from scratch, allowing them to focus on software integration and control system modifications for existing autonomous navigation systems. The verified algorithmic elements and high compatibility with current systems enable significantly shorter development cycles and faster market entry.
Competitive Positioning

X: Automation & Operational Efficiency
Y: Disturbance Resistance & Safety

Business Models & Applications
⛵ Software Licensing for Marine Systems
Offer the technology's algorithm as a software license to existing autonomous navigation system manufacturers and shipbuilding companies, supporting its integration into their products.
🤝 Joint Development of Navigation Solutions
Partner with shipping companies and port authorities to co-develop and provide operational services for automated guidance systems optimized for specific routes and port environments.
☁️ MarineTech SaaS Platform
Build a cloud-based platform integrating vessel operational data with this technology, offering automated guidance features via a subscription model.
Adjacent Application Opportunities
🤖 無人機・ドローン
Autonomous Underwater Drone Guidance
This technology could apply to guidance systems for autonomous underwater drones, enabling them to follow complex exploration paths with low computational load, even amidst underwater disturbances like currents and terrain. This could enhance the efficiency of seabed surveys and infrastructure inspections by up to 30%.
🚗 陸上自動運転
Precision Path Following for Industrial AGVs
The technology could be adapted for high-precision path following and obstacle avoidance in AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and specialized vehicles operating within ports or factory premises, including narrow aisles. This could improve logistics automation and safety by reducing incidents by 25%.
⚙️ 産業用ロボット
High-Precision Guidance for Mobile Industrial Robots
This system could be applied to mobile robots in warehouses and manufacturing lines, enabling precise positioning and path following while adapting to dynamic environmental changes and obstacles. This has the potential to boost production efficiency and flexibility by 15%.
Integration Roadmap — Estimated 18-Month Deployment
Technology Evaluation & Requirements Definition
Duration: 3 months
Evaluate technical compatibility with the licensee's existing autonomous navigation systems, define functional requirements and performance targets. Conduct basic verification through simulations.
Prototype Development & Demonstration
Duration: 9 months
Develop a prototype system incorporating the technology's algorithm and verify its performance through simulations and demonstration experiments using small vessels.
Production System Build & Deployment
Duration: 6 months
Based on demonstration results, build a production system, implement it on target vessels, and conduct operational tests. Gradually expand the scope of application.
Technical Feasibility
This technology can be implemented by integrating the pure pursuit calculation process and the automatic navigation calculation process as software modules into existing autonomous navigation control systems. The patent claims specify "using an automatic navigation device," suggesting that deployment could involve software updates or control algorithm modifications without significant hardware changes. Utilizing common positioning and heading sensors further minimizes new capital investment, indicating relatively low technical hurdles.
Success Scenario
If adopted, this technology could enable vessels to achieve more stable autonomous navigation, significantly reducing human error even in complex port areas or congested waterways. This could lead to up to a 20% reduction in annual operating costs and contribute to CO2 emission reductions through optimized fuel efficiency. Furthermore, reduced operational risks in adverse weather conditions could alleviate crew workload, fostering a safer and more efficient operational framework.
Patent Record
APPLICATION NO.
特願2021-082534
REGISTRATION NO.
7756895
FILING DATE
2021/05/14
GRANT DATE
2025/10/10
EXPIRATION DATE
2041/05/14
PATENT HOLDER
国立研究開発法人　海上・港湾・航空技術研究所
Examination History
2024年04月19日
出願審査請求書
2025年06月03日
拒絶理由通知書
2025年08月04日
意見書
2025年08月04日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2025年09月02日
特許査定