Collaborative robots (CoBots) are making their way onto shipyard floors, and this session offers a deep dive into what that looks like in practice. A panel of industry leaders will discuss what it realistically takes to implement CoBots, how to navigate weld procedure qualifications, and how shipyards can access government-subsidized training resources. 

Speakers will share findings from a two-year implementation project, funded by the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) and led by the Shipbuilding CoBot Alliance. Framed through a welder’s perspective of what the technology delivers in a shipbuilding and repair environment, this session will cover the benefits, challenges, and the path forward from concept to qualified weld procedure. 

Attendees will:

• Hear directly from welders and shipyard leaders on what cobot implementation looks like on the shipyard floor 
• Understand the pathway from cobot evaluation to full implementation
• Learn how government-subsidized training centers can support workforce development and reduce the cost of adoption