Robotics News

Sticking to legacy tactics won't beat China — adopt Secretary Hegseth's and the Army initiatives or surrender the edge.In a recent address, Admiral Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the urgent need for a robotic hull-cleaning system to enable anytime maintenance, reduce drag, boost speed, and minimize fuel consumption for naval vessels. Hearing this, I immediately recognized an opportunity for the U.S. Army to step up and drive maritime innovation forward—at wartime speed.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas visited Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, underscoring the facility’s growing strategic importance as Europe prepares a new Maritime Industrial Strategy for 2026.During the visit, Fincantieri leadership showcased the yard’s capabilities in building highly complex, high-value vessels and outlined ongoing investments in digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Executives—including…

Next Generation Shipyards (NGS) in Lauwersoog has taken a major step toward modernizing its production line with the installation of a new state-of-the-art robotic welding system, technology that the yard says will boost efficiency, improve weld quality, and strengthen its competitive position in the specialized workboat market.The nature of shipbuilding has historically limited the usefulness of welding robots, which are typically designed for repetitive, standardized production environments.

In April this year, the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee approved guidance on in-water cleaning of ships' biofouling and also approved a proposal for the development of a legally binding framework for the management of biofouling.The move comes in recognition that biofouling is a key contributor invasive species and to greenhouse gas emissions. Biofouling can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%, costing the shipping industry $40-50 billion annually and driving excess…

A collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform that enhances productivity and safety in shipyards was formalized with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI.The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers…

Renowned inventor and engineer Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway, the iBOT wheelchair, and founder of the organization FIRST Global, delivered a keynote lecture on October 28 at the Ascanio Arosemena Training Center of the Panama Canal. During his presentation, he shared his vision of innovation as a tool to transform societies.Kamen emphasized the importance of inspiring new generations to engage with science and technology. Through FIRST Global, a nonprofit organization that promotes international educational robotics competitions…

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has expanded its partnership with Neptune Robotics to scale up robotic hull cleaning across its global fleet in a move expected to deliver major fuel savings and accelerates maritime decarbonization.NYK has worked with Neptune since 2022, making it one of the earliest adopters of Neptune’s robotic hull cleaning. From earlier deployments, Neptune’s robots delivered up to 10 times fuel savings compared to cleaning costs…

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) hosted the 12th Global Forum on Mechanical Engineering today at the National Assembly Library, spotlighting the fast-growing role of humanoid artificial intelligence and robotics in industry and society.Organized under the theme “The Future of Humanoid AI and Robotics,” the event featured leading international experts including Professor Dennis Hong of UCLA and Professor Glen Berseth of CIFAR/Université de Montréal. The forum examined how advances in AI…

ABS and Persona AI inked an MOU to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform deployment in shipyards. Humanoid robots are suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces.Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, will be outfitted to conduct  a range of shipyard tasks.Under the MOU, ABS and Persona AI will collaborate on a series of joint development projects…

HD Hyundai Samho has signed an MOU with LG CNS and HD Hyundai Robotics to co-develop AI humanoid robots and logistics automation technologies as part of a move to accelerate the creation of a smart, sustainable shipyard.The partnership focuses on humanoid robots capable of handling complex shipyard tasks and autonomous mobile robots for logistics automation.HD Hyundai Samho will provide manufacturing data and infrastructure, LG CNS will deliver AI and data platforms, and HD Hyundai Robotics will supply AI-based motion control solutions…

The July/August issue of Offshore Engineer includes an update on patrolling robots. They are increasingly being used for inspection, maintenance and repair, and they are increasingly being operated, human-in-the-loop, in a cyber world that is a detailed digital twin of their offshore environment.Energy Robotics, for example, has built a software platform for operating all available oil and gas ATEX certified robots, including those of ExRobotics, Taurob, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The U.S. Coast Guard has set up the initial operating capability of a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office.The office is a key component of the Service's Force Design 2028 (FD 2028) plan, and the Coast Guard claims it is poised to be the most transformational enhancement to capability since the inception of aviation. The office is dedicated to the rapid operationalization of the Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan.Robotics and autonomous systems are anticipated to revolutionize Coast Guard operations…

Ambipar and SBM Offshore announced a solution for cleaning cargo oil tanks on (FPSOs), a solution that importantly is geared to completely remove humans from entering tanks during cleaning activities.“This robotic solution marks a turning point for the offshore industry. By automating a traditionally hazardous process, we are not only enhancing safety but also boosting operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It’s a clear demonstration of how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand…

In the shadow of the Taiwan Strait, a new chapter in asymmetric naval warfare is unfolding. Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s strategic use of maritime drones in the Black Sea, Taiwan is adapting similar technologies as a low-cost, high-impact defense against an increasingly assertive Chinese Navy.Off Taiwan’s eastern fishing port of Wushi, Thunder Tiger — a local defense technology company — has been testing the SeaShark 800, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) capable of carrying 1,200 kg of explosives across distances up to 500 km.

The currents in Singapore can be so strong that divers cleaning fouling from a ship’s hull can feel like they are swimming in a river. There’s times when it’s just not safe for them to be there.The currents can be a problem for robotic cleaners as well, but for ship operators, the bigger problem is having to wait long after cargo operations have concluded while the hull is cleaned by either method.And yet, many of the pressures they face for keeping the hull clean – invasive species…

ABS and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for digital manufacturing-based automation equipment for shipyards.The JDP will focus on leveraging smart technology within HD Hyundai Mipo’s shipyard operations that include artificial intelligence, communication technologies, automation and robotics.ABS will utilize its Guide for Smart Technologies for Shipyards to help HMD identify opportunities for process improvement focusing on key features such as hyper-connectivity…

Robotic hull cleaning company Fleet Cleaner has changed its name to Fleet Robotics to reflect its evolution into a global 24/7 one-stop-shop for high quality underwater maintenance and performance optimization.In 2017 Fleet Cleaner became the first company to offer its robotic underwater hull cleaning in Dutch ports, expanding to Belgium shortly after. Since then, Fleet Cleaner has grown into a trusted provider of safe, efficient, and certified underwater cleaning operations, including the world’s only ATEX-certified solution for tanker cleaning during cargo operations.

Hydrodemolition company Aquajet plans to launch two robots in April: the Aqua Cutter 450A and Aqua Cutter 450V.The new electric 450 series is a more compact, maneuverable design than the Aqua Cutter 750V. The new models incorporate the Evolution 3.0 control system and the patented Infinity oscillation system.Despite their reduced size, they can handle reaction forces up to 1400N, making them highly effective in confined spaces without compromising performance.Like all Aqua Cutter robots…

RobotPlusPlus has demonstrated its cargo hold cleaning robot at Sea Asia 2025 in Singapore.The HighMate C20 robot is designed to simplify maritime cleaning, blasting and painting tasks. It simplifies cargo hold cleaning with efficient operations in most sea conditions, covering up to 95% of the hold's surface and reducing the risks of manual cleaning at heights.The robot was debuted at SMM 2024 and features advanced driving controls with a flexible design allowing it to precisely navigate confined spaces.The HighMate C20 performs even with a closed cargo-hold hatch, eliminating cherry picking.

Shipping and logistics firm Wilson Sons has started testing drones in the Port of Salvador to make vessel deliveries and pickups. The trials represent the first time the drones have been used to make deliveries in port facilities in Brazil.Speedbird Aero, which specializes in designing, manufacturing, and operating drones, owns the uncrewed aerial vehicles.In 2022, it was the first company to obtain authorization from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) to operate uncrewed…

US Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS) addressed a hearing titled “America Builds: Maritime Infrastructure” on Wednesday saying: “It is clearly critical that we must build a safer and more efficient system.”The new chairman, for the 119th Congress, said the Jones Act is quite literally the bedrock and foundation of the nation’s shipbuilding industrial base because it helps to maintain a pool of qualified American mariners that the US relies on to transport goods and its military…

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is participating in a $940K Amphibian UWILD Remote Robotic Platform Project.The robot is expected increase the speed and accuracy of ship hull inspections and reduce the risks associated with diving crews.The project will allow Marine Thinking to develop a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for Innvotek’s Amphibian “Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-docking” (UWILD) solution.Marine Thinking’s LARS will feature remote control capabilities and ensure efficient and safe deployment and retrieval of the Amphibian robot.

Ukrainian military intelligence said one of its naval drones had destroyed a Russian helicopter and damaged another one in the Black Sea.In a battle near Cape Tarkhankut on Crimea's west coast on Tuesday, a Magura V5 maritime drone equipped with missiles hit a Russian Mi-8 helicopter, Ukraine's GUR spy agency said on Telegram.GUR said it was the first time a Ukrainian naval drone had downed an air target. Reuters could not independently verify the report.There was no comment from Moscow on the helicopter.