BACKGROUND
A leading global marine boats and outboards manufacturer partnered with Robosoft to replace their conventional analog gauges with a next-gen HMI. This HMI features a fully connected ecosystem spanning the Multi-Function Display (MFD), iPhone and Apple Watch. Robosoft conducted deep research and engineering to unite all three devices through an MQTT middleware layer into a single, seamless experience.
THE CHALLENGES
Addressing the
critical gaps
Multiple analog gauges created operational friction. The client needed to replace them with a responsive, touch-enabled command center designed for real-world marine conditions.
Modernizing marine navigation and safety through real-time data, crew alerts and seamless connectivity was a critical need that the existing system simply could not meet.
Integrating NMEA data from multiple onboard sensors and control units into real-time visual interfaces on the Multi-Function Display (MFD) without latency or data loss posed an architectural challenge.
Bridging the MFD, iPhone, Apple Watch and a Raspberry Pi-based MQTT middleware into one unified, responsive ecosystem demanded seamless cross-platform synchronization.
The architecture needed to be modular and extensible to support new sensors, hardware upgrades and evolving marine standards without ground-up redevelopment.
THE CHALLENGES
Addressing the
critical gaps
Multiple analog gauges created operational friction. The client needed to replace them with a responsive, touch-enabled command center designed for real-world marine conditions.
Modernizing marine navigation and safety through real-time data, crew alerts and seamless connectivity was a critical need that the existing system simply could not meet.
Integrating NMEA data from multiple onboard sensors and control units into real-time visual interfaces on the Multi-Function Display (MFD) without latency or data loss posed an architectural challenge.
Bridging the MFD, iPhone, Apple Watch and a Raspberry Pi-based MQTT middleware into one unified, responsive ecosystem demanded seamless cross-platform synchronization.
The architecture needed to be modular and extensible to support new sensors, hardware upgrades and evolving marine standards without ground-up redevelopment.
THE ROBOSOFT SOLUTION
A structured six-phase process, spanning marine protocol research, hardware procurement, NMEA network setup, GUI implementation, data simulation, camera streaming feasibility and a fully functional NMEA pipeline prototype, culminated in a complete multi-device rollout with iPhone, Apple Watch and MQTT middleware.
We developed the MFD HMI iteratively using N-Design, evaluating the EXOR and JMobile toolchains and performing CAN-based validation and a dedicated debug screen to verify NMEA 2000 and mobile data consistency.
Deployed a Raspberry Pi-based middleware layer that hosts a secure MQTT broker, enabling reliable, low-latency communication between the MFD and connected mobile devices across the vessel.
We built and simulated a complete NMEA 2000 network, enabling rigorous testing of data decoding, rendering accuracy and system behavior before deployment on actual hardware.
Delivered iPhone and Apple Watch app equipped with nautical charts, real-time weather updates and MFD information screens, keeping mariners informed at a glance on any device.
The MFD was configured to display sea conditions, device status and system alerts and to push critical notifications to the mobile app and wearables, ensuring critical events never go unnoticed.
THE ROBOSOFT SOLUTION
A structured six-phase process, spanning marine protocol research, hardware procurement, NMEA network setup, GUI implementation, data simulation, camera streaming feasibility and a fully functional NMEA pipeline prototype, culminated in a complete multi-device rollout with iPhone, Apple Watch and MQTT middleware.
We developed the MFD HMI iteratively using N-Design, evaluating the EXOR and JMobile toolchains and performing CAN-based validation and a dedicated debug screen to verify NMEA 2000 and mobile data consistency.
Deployed a Raspberry Pi-based middleware layer that hosts a secure MQTT broker, enabling reliable, low-latency communication between the MFD and connected mobile devices across the vessel.
We built and simulated a complete NMEA 2000 network, enabling rigorous testing of data decoding, rendering accuracy and system behavior before deployment on actual hardware.
Delivered iPhone and Apple Watch app equipped with nautical charts, real-time weather updates and MFD information screens, keeping mariners informed at a glance on any device.
The MFD was configured to display sea conditions, device status and system alerts and to push critical notifications to the mobile app and wearables, ensuring critical events never go unnoticed.
Clear outcomes
that drive growth
Robosoft delivered a fully functional, multi-device HMI prototype, spanning MFD, iPhone and Apple Watch. We demonstrated the complete connected marine experience from MFD to wrist.
The solution moved the client from conventional gauge-based interfaces to an intelligent, connected HMI ecosystem. They now set a new standard for how boaters interact with their vessels.
Six phases of research, simulation and iterative engineering created a reusable foundation, enabling the client to accelerate future marine digital innovations from a position of proven capability.
The modular, extensible architecture supports new sensors, hardware, and connectivity advances across future product lines, without starting from scratch.
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