ROBOTIC AUTOMATION IN ADVANCED NAVY SHIP CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This report on the robotic automation of the construction and repair of Navy ships focuses on the automation of three advanced manufacturing technologies: state-of-the-art welding, non- destructive testing, and surface preparation. The report presents a state-of-the-art survey of these technologies, identifies specific shipbuilding/repair processes to be automated, and discusses a conceptual design and economic analysis for each automation application. The report concludes by offering general remarks and recommendations related to the Navy's potential role in the automation of shipbuilding and repair. (Author)