NCMS Project #: 142292
Problem: Performance of maintenance tasks for ships has long been considered risky and time-consuming. Compounding this is the impact these tasks can have on the global supply chain as delays in maintenance can impact the delivery of goods to the public. Risk is inherent to not just the performance of the maintenance and the operating of the equipment, but also in relation to the inspection and set-up activities of transportation vessels that must be performed prior to completing any maintenance tasks.
Benefit: Innovative robotics technologies, and particularly for this effort the Vacuum Crawler system, will demonstrate diminished risks, shortened timelines, and reduced costs.
Solution/Approach: The overall objective of this initiative is demonstrating the advantages of robotics in the maintenance and sustainment of ship hulls, and advancement of the Vacuum Crawler as a solution to this problem. Phase II will focus on mechanically developing the Vacuum Crawler system to incorporate the design electronics and control system and advance the structural design for ruggedized operations.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce labor costs
- Enhance mission readiness
- Increase maintainer safety
DOD Participation:
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Industry Participation:
- Boston Engineering Corporation
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Repair turnaround time
- Mx avoidance & reliability
- Positive environmental impact
- Safety
- Mx management improvement
- Improved readiness
- Energy efficiency
- Durability
- Reliability improvement
Mx Focus Area:
- Advanced/Additive Manufacturing
