Heavy Industries: Advanced Automation in unstructured environments
Adopting automation and robotic solutions in unstructured environments, such as marine and naval sectors, presents unique challenges. The dynamic and often unpredictable conditions require advanced and flexible systems capable of adapting to weather, and operational demands. Comau is addressing these complexities by applying innovative approaches to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in shipbuilding operations.
To confirm its advancements in the industrial automation and robotics field, Comau has developed tailored outdoor automation solutions that meet the demands of the heavy industries. The autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) technology is designed to thrive in unstructured environments, bringing unprecedented precision and flexibility to the marine/naval industry.
Transforming Shipbuilding with Automation
The shipbuilding process involves numerous intricate tasks, from welding and assembly to inspections and maintenance. Comau is making outdoor automation a reality with intelligent mobile robotics. Managed by a single operator without specific robot programming expertise, MR4Weld is controlled through sensors, embedded programming algorithms and highly intuitive navigation software to move in any environment with ease.
By integrating advanced automation, shipyards can significantly cut down on production times and costs compared to manual processes. Robots handle repetitive and dangerous tasks, allowing skilled human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This synergy between human expertise and robotic efficiency not only boosts overall output but also ensures higher quality and consistency in shipbuilding projects.
Welding Mobile Robot: Unlimited possibilities
Thanks to its highly flexible design, MR4Weld can be adapted to meet a wide variety of applications for different markets. These include everything from the production of large steel infrastructure projects and continuous structures for suspension bridges to large hoisting systems and more.
In addition to high accuracy and repeatability, MR4Weld comes with digital tools to collect welding and production data that can be used to trace and certify welded joint quality
Safety and Efficiency: A Dual Imperative
Safety is paramount in the marine and naval industries, where operations are often carried out in hazardous conditions. Comau’s autonomous mobile robotics solution is designed with multiple layers of safety features and regulations, it can be used without fences, helping the transformation of shipbuilding production processes.
Efficiency gains are another critical advantage. Automated systems operate continuously without fatigue, maintaining high levels of performance and accuracy. It guarantees better welding quality while reducing ergonomic risks.
Designed in collaboration with Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, the easy-to-use MR4Weld mobile robot, marine operators can maximize their operational uptime and achieve greater overall efficiency. This is particularly beneficial in marine environments, where operational windows are often limited by weather conditions and other external factors.