Italian partners eye robots for shipbuilding
Aerial view of the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, Italy. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Letter of intent between Fincantieri and Comau includes development of a welding robot for shipyards.
Robotic shipbuilding in Italy moved a step closer on 20 May, when Fincantieri and industrial automation specialist Comau announced a letter of intent to develop prototype autonomous steel welding solutions for shipyards.
The two Italian companies also agreed to co-operate on developing new technologies in a Digital Factory.
The first deliverable for Fincantieri shipyards, to be tested in the second half of 2022, will be ‘an anthropomorphic welding robot’ combined with a remote control tracked vehicle, the two companies stated.
Fincantieri and Comau will be co-owners of the intellectual property generated while developing the new concept design. At a later stage, they will explore the possibility of marketing this kind of welding product for shipbuilding and other ‘relevant business segments’ such as the construction industry.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
