Robots put to test for naval maintenance, inspection and repair
The remote-controlled Guardian DX Teleoperated Dexterous Robot mimics the upper body of a human being. (Photo: Naval Surface Warfare Center)
Sarcos has conducted a field trial with the US Navy showcasing the capabilities of robots to support shipyard work above and below the waterline.
Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation has demonstrated a range of robotic technologies improving worker safety and shipyard productivity. The company’s systems are designed to carry out shipyard tasks on and around vessels underway or pier-side.
In September, Sarcos conducted a USN field trial (Repair Technology Exercise or REPTX) at Naval Base Ventura County, California, using the Guardian DX teleoperated dexterous robot, Sapien 6M dexterous robot, Sapien Sea Class underwater robot and Guardian remote visual inspection robot.
The Sapien 6M and Guardian DX robots can be mounted on mobile lift platforms to undertake visual inspections, remove rust and paint using existing off-the-shelf tools.
The Sapien Sea Class underwater robot is designed for shallow and deep-water operation to inspect ship hulls, propeller shafts, and ship aspects below the water line.
Finally, the Guardian S robot can traverse ferromagnetic vertical surfaces and is deployed inside and outside a ship to identify foreign objects.
'It is imperative for the US Navy to find solutions that will enable us to maintain mission readiness, particularly while at sea,' said Janice Bryant, expeditionary and sustainment technology manager, Naval Sea Systems Command. 'The technologies demonstrated at REPTX for ship inspection, sustainment and repair using tele-operated at-height capabilities will have a significant benefit to increase navy readiness.'
More from Defence Notes
-
![How UAE defence giant EDGE Group plans to double its exports]()
How UAE defence giant EDGE Group plans to double its exports
The UAE defence conglomerate has put an aggressive strategy in place to increase its share of exports while navigating the growing gap between East and West.
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?]()
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
