Robot Technology in the Shipyard Production Environment

Abstract

This paper presents the current status of robot technology in the shipyard production environment. The focus is on a case study in which a computer-integrated and robotized web and component line is presented. This production line will be fully operational by mid-1995. An overview has also been included of the most relevant technologies with regard to robot production in the shipbuilding industry, and how these technologies contributed to the introduction of robots in shipyards. The need for integrating the robots with the rest of the shipyard's material flow, computer systems and organization is discussed, followed by a brief survey of emerging technologies which may be useful for the shipbuilding community.