Fincantieri and Comau to develop steel-welding robots
Italian companies, Fincantieri and Comau are to begin developing prototypes for robotised steel welding machines to be implemented in Fincantieri shipyards. The first joint project between Fincantieri and Comau will see the prototypes undergo tests scheduled at the shipyard for the first half of 2022. This will involve the Comau building both an anthropomorphic welding robot and a remote control tracked vehicle which will combine into one machine.
Fincantieri general manager, Fabio Gallia, said: “This partnership is an important innovation for the shipbuilding industry. Apart from improving the safety of workers and their ergonomic working conditions, these solutions will enable great progress in pursuing the competitiveness of our production system. Moreover, looking to the future, the possibility of developing projects together with Comau is a great opportunity to further broaden the group’s range of competencies.”
Fincantieri and Comau will be co-owners of the intellectual property generated while developing the new concept design. The companies intend to explore the possibility of marketing this kind of welding product not only in shipbuilding, but also in other industries, such as the production of continuous structures for suspension bridges and large size hoisting systems.
Paolo Carmassi, CEO of Comau, said: “Comau has always been committed to the design and development of cutting-edge processes and technologies that allow us to provide our customers and partners with unique solutions that meet the challenges of an ever-changing market. The collaboration with Fincantieri gives us the opportunity to join forces with a leading company on an innovative project that aims to extend the benefits of automation and robotics to new sectors.”