FBR Secures US$150,000 Deal to Develop Shipbuilding Automation Robot

A New Chapter in Shipbuilding Automation

FBR Limited, an Australian robotics company, has taken a major stride forward by entering into an Engineering Service Agreement with global shipbuilding giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). This partnership aims to develop a robotic solution designed to automate shipbuilding construction, a sector traditionally reliant on manual labour and complex assembly processes.

The initial phase of this collaboration focuses on creating and validating a core technology module for the shipbuilding construction robot. Scheduled for completion within five months, this phase will culminate in a physical demonstration that could redefine how ships are built in the future.

Financial and Strategic Details

Under the terms of the agreement, FBR will receive US$150,000 plus reasonable expenses to deliver Phase 1, with any additional work billed on a time and materials basis, subject to SHI's approval. Notably, the agreement also establishes a 10-year exclusive dealing relationship for the materials supplied during this phase, underscoring the long-term commitment between the two companies.

Beyond the immediate development work, both FBR and SHI are actively exploring commercialisation strategies for the shipbuilding robot. This forward-looking approach suggests that subsequent phases could expand the scope and scale of automation in ship construction, potentially transforming industry standards.

Implications for Robotics and Industry

This collaboration highlights the growing intersection between robotics and heavy industry, where automation promises to enhance efficiency, safety, and precision. For FBR, known for its Dynamic Stabilisation Technology and robotic platforms like the Hadrian X, this project represents an opportunity to diversify applications and deepen its footprint in industrial automation.

For Samsung Heavy Industries, integrating advanced robotics could streamline production timelines and reduce costs in a highly competitive global market. The partnership also signals a broader trend of traditional manufacturers embracing cutting-edge technology to maintain their competitive edge.

As the project progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the technology performs in real-world conditions and how commercial models evolve to support widespread adoption.