About this book:

**Summary of *Shipyard Robotics and Automation***

*Shipyard Robotics and Automation* offers a comprehensive technical and strategic guide to modernizing the shipbuilding industry through the integration of cutting-edge robotics, Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and digital assembly workflows. The book explores how global competition and labor shifts are driving yards to move beyond manual processes toward a "cyber-physical" production environment. By detailing core applications such as robotic welding on panel lines, vision-guided hull assembly, and heavy-lift coordination, the text provides a practical roadmap for scaling technology from small pilot projects to fully integrated, data-driven production ecosystems.

The book delves deeply into the "digital thread," explaining how Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) converge with Operational Technology (OT) to create a seamless flow of information. Beyond the hardware, it addresses the critical organizational pillars of modernization, including human–robot collaboration (HRC), workforce upskilling, and the implementation of rigorous safety and cybersecurity standards. Readers will find detailed analyses of ROI modeling and environmental performance, alongside real-world case studies from naval, commercial, and repair yards that illustrate the tangible benefits of automation in reducing rework, enhancing safety, and accelerating production schedules.

Designed for shipyard leaders, engineers, and maritime professionals, this resource looks toward the future of the industry, highlighting the role of 5G, edge computing, and digital twins. It emphasizes that the transition to a modernized shipyard is not merely a technological upgrade but a cultural shift that augments human craftsmanship with machine precision. By providing a clear framework for governance and procurement, *Shipyard Robotics and Automation* equips stakeholders with the knowledge needed to build the next generation of vessels with unprecedented efficiency, quality, and resilience.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Strategies for integrating heavy-duty industrial robots, cobots, and AGVs into both new-build (greenfield) and legacy (brownfield) shipyard environments.
• Deep dives into core production automation, including robotic welding fundamentals, vision-guided assembly for large structures, and heavy-lift coordination.
• Technical frameworks for 'Digital Assembly,' encompassing digital twins, simulation, offline programming (OLP), and the convergence of OT/IT software architectures.
• Comprehensive safety and governance protocols, covering ISO/ANSI standards, risk assessments, cybersecurity for cyber-physical systems, and ROI modeling.
• Focus on workforce transformation, detailing change management, upskilling traditional trades, and the environmental/ESG benefits of modernized production.

Who's It For:

This book is designed for shipyard executives, production managers, and maritime engineers seeking a practical roadmap for digital transformation and automation. It is also an essential resource for systems integrators and robotics professionals looking to adapt advanced manufacturing technologies to the unique, large-scale challenges of ship production and repair. Additionally, workforce development specialists will find valuable insights into the training and cultural shifts required for human-robot collaboration.