Enhancing Naval Shipbuilding Efficiency and Quality Through Robotic Welding Adoption: A Synthesis of Technical Review, Industry Survey, and Expert Interviews
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As the Navy confronts growing shipbuilding and manufacturing challenges, automation represents a potential pathway to alleviate workforce shortages and schedule delays. This report draws on an industry survey, expert interviews, and a technical review to develop a comprehensive business case for adopting robotic welding in naval shipbuilding. It explores how automation can deliver a powerful return on investment by increasing throughput, improving weld quality, reducing material waste, and enhancing worker safety. The report also addresses how to overcome key financial and regulatory barriers to build a compelling justification for investment, positioning robotic welding as a strategic necessity for a resilient and competitive industrial base, and provides recommendations for the Department of the Navy and industry to integrate robotic welding into shipbuilding processes.
