Gecko Robotics, renowned for its innovative use of robotics in infrastructure analysis, has announced a demonstration contract with the U.S. Navy, aimed at revolutionizing the manufacturing process of the Columbia-class nuclear submarine program, valued at $132 billion. This collaboration represents a significant step in modernizing naval manufacturing processes through advanced robotic technology.
Under the contract with BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit integrator supporting the Navy's Submarine Industrial Base, Gecko Robotics will deploy its cutting-edge robotic digital weld inspections. This technology will be integral in examining the integrity of welds during the submarine's manufacturing process. By digitizing these inspection results, Gecko Robotics will help streamline a crucial aspect of the Columbia-class program, thereby freeing skilled workers for other essential tasks and reducing the risks associated with undetected weld flaws.
Jake Loosararian, CEO and Co-founder of Gecko Robotics, expressed pride in expanding their partnership with the U.S. Navy. Moving beyond maintenance support, Gecko's role in the Columbia-class program involves providing advanced manufacturing capabilities. According to Loosararian, there is a growing demand for comprehensive data early in the manufacturing process to facilitate better predictive maintenance, and Gecko is poised to meet this need.
Gecko Robotics is not new to collaborating with military entities. The company has existing contracts with the U.S. Navy for accelerating maintenance cycles of surface ships and with the U.S. Air Force for rapid assessment of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch facilities as part of the Sentinel program. Gecko's solutions are a blend of agile wall-climbing robots, state-of-the-art sensors, and an AI-driven data platform. This combination offers clients an unparalleled view into the health and future of their critical infrastructure, leading to insightful decision-making and enhanced operational readiness.
The project's objective is to demonstrate the return on investment of Gecko's weld inspection process across multiple levels of the supply chain. This initiative is set to transform a key aspect of submarine manufacturing, emphasizing efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and increased operational readiness. Gecko Robotics continues to cement its position as a leader in deploying advanced robotics and software solutions to decipher and enhance the built world.
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