Fincantieri and Generative Bionics have launched a partnership to develop a humanoid robot for welding in shipbuilding.
The project aims to integrate autonomous robotics into shipyard operations to assist with physically demanding tasks and address the shortage of specialised labour.
The humanoid robot will feature vision and perception capabilities to monitor welding seams and will be designed to work in the same areas as human workers to assist with repetitive or ergonomically challenging tasks.
The collaboration is planned to run for four years, with initial on-site testing scheduled at the Sestri Ponente shipyard by the end of 2026.
The companies intend to have operational functionality ready within the first two years of the programme, followed by further refinement and industrial certification.
“Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence applied to industrial processes represent a strategic lever for the evolution of shipbuilding and for the competitiveness of the European industrial system,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri.
“The collaboration with Generative Bionics is part of the transformation journey we are undertaking to strengthen our operational excellence, enhance the work of our people, and address in a structured way the challenges related to growing production complexity and the availability of specialised skills.”
