HII Ties Up to $900 Million in Shipbuilding Work to Robot Qualification
Path Robotics and GrayMatter Robotics must qualify autonomous production lines before HII assigns work under seven-year Navy shipbuilding agreements.
Path Robotics and GrayMatter Robotics must qualify autonomous production lines before HII assigns work under seven-year Navy shipbuilding agreements.
HII signed seven-year, performance-based agreements with Path Robotics and GrayMatter Robotics on Aug. 6, the shipbuilder announced. HII said it intends to assign the companies up to $900 million in combined shipbuilding work if they meet technology, manufacturing-readiness and performance milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HII award the startups $900 million?
No. HII said it intends to assign Path Robotics and GrayMatter Robotics up to $900 million in combined work over seven years. The work depends on technology, manufacturing-readiness and performance milestones.
What does Path Robotics contribute?
Path Robotics builds adaptive robotic welding systems. Its Obsidian model directs variable welding work, and its Rove system places that capability on a mobile quadruped platform for large or fixed structures.
What does GrayMatter Robotics contribute?
GrayMatter Robotics builds autonomous systems for surface preparation, coating and inspection. The disclosed shipbuilding work includes grinding, blasting and painting processes.
Which Navy programs could use the production lines?
HII named aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, amphibious ships, future frigates and unmanned surface vessels. It did not identify a specific shipyard or ship program for the first deployment.
What happens next?
The companies must develop, validate and qualify their production processes. HII can then assign delivery-stage work if the lines meet its cost, schedule and quality requirements. HII did not disclose a qualification date.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
Below this point
4 more sections.
Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.