Boat operations, launching and recovering small boats from cutters, are one of the most frequent, and most dangerous, routine coast guard operations. Naval News reports successful sea trials of a system designed to allow fully autonomous launch and recovery of both manned and unmanned craft. It appears to include a cradle.

“Based on a patented technology in the fields of robotics and algorithmic, Sealartec has developed an innovative robotic system for the launch and recovery of unmanned vessels. The system is capable of recovering any manned or unmanned vessel up to sea state 6. It includes an innovative, hydrodynamic floating structure with robotic capture device and an autonomous processes control decision making algorithm. This combination allows safe recovery at severe sea conditions while in motion, with higher safety standard.”