Robots to Optimize Shipyard Operations

The navy shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) and Sarcos Robotics will jointly develop robotic technologies, including full-body powered exoskeletons, for use in naval shipyards, the two entities jointly announced.

Sarcos Robotics, a player in robotic systems that augment rather than replace humans working in the industrial, public safety and military sectors, said in a press note that they would will evaluate Sarcos’ Guardian XO battery-powered full-body exoskeleton as well as its Guardian S inspection robot for use across a wide variety of unstructured, challenging work environments and tasks.

Areas of initial focus will be manipulation of heavy items, use of power tools and inspection of confined spaces, all of which are intended to support the maintenance, modernization and retirement of ships and submarines, enabling workers to get their jobs done more safely, faster and more cost effectively.

“Sarcos is revolutionizing the robotics industry and redefining the workforce of the future by developing robots that enhance human productivity, while increasing worker safety,” said Ben Wolff, chairman and CEO of Sarcos Robotics.

“This partnership provides an exciting opportunity for the shipyard to develop innovative solutions to improve our work while providing a safer, more ergonomic work environment for our employees,” said Capt. Howard Markle, commander of PSNS & IMF. PSNS & IMF employs more than 14,000 sailors and civilian personnel who accomplish the Command’s mission to maintain, modernize and retire the U.S. Navy’s fleet.

The collaboration with PSNS & IMF follows Sarcos’ recent announcement regarding its collaboration with the U.S. Air Force regarding its highly anticipated Guardian XO exoskeleton robot.