U.S. Navy to incorporate robotics and AI for enhanced fleet maintenance

U.S. Navy to Incorporate Robotics and AI for Enhanced Fleet Maintenance

Gecko Robotics, a company that specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence, has brokered a significant agreement with the U.S. Navy aimed at incorporating advanced technologies to improve fleet maintenance and operational readiness. This collaboration marks a strategic effort to reduce delays, optimise maintenance schedules, and ultimately extend the operational lifespan of naval ships and submarines.

The introduction of Gecko’s wall-climbing robots, capable of performing inspection tasks with unprecedented efficiency, is a key component of this initiative. These robots are designed to identify structural issues more effectively than traditional methods, helping to safeguard the naval fleet’s integrity. According to Gecko Robotics, their technology can capture an impressive 4.2 million data points on critical defence structures, a stark contrast to the less than 100 data points typically gathered using conventional methods.

Jake Loosararian, the co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy. “We’re proud to grow our partnership with the Navy around keeping ships in the fight and increasing the pace of production on the Columbia,” said Loosararian, referring to the Columbia-class submarine programme. His statement underscores the potential of robotics and AI to empower the Navy’s personnel, providing them with the tools necessary to fulfil their missions effectively and safely.

Gecko Robotics’ partnership with the Navy, initiated in 2023, has already demonstrated substantial benefits, with reports indicating a 400% increase in the use of these technologies by 2024. This collaboration will soon extend to encompass aircraft carriers, as the company seeks to gather detailed data on the overall health of naval vessels. The data collected will be processed using Gecko’s AI-driven operations platform, Cantilever, which aims to significantly reduce maintenance timelines and growth work, ensuring ships return to sea with minimal delay.

The roots of Gecko Robotics trace back to 2012 when Loosararian began developing robotic solutions during his time at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. The initial project, a robot designed to address structural challenges at a nearby power plant, laid the groundwork for what would become an innovative enterprise. Over the years, Loosararian refined his product and business approach, persisting through various personal and financial challenges to establish a successful partnership with the Navy.

This new development not only solidifies Gecko’s role in the maintenance and construction of critical defence infrastructure but positions the U.S. Navy at the forefront of technological advancements in global military operations. By pioneering the integration of cutting-edge robotic and AI technologies, the Navy tackles the universal challenge of unforeseen maintenance and downtime, thereby reinforcing national security and operational efficiency.

Source: Noah Wire Services