This move comes as the Navy struggles with maintenance backlogs and delays, with a 2020 report finding that 75% of planned maintenance periods were completed late for aircraft carriers and submarines between 2015 and 2019. The Navy's maintenance issues have raised concerns among US officials, especially given China's steady naval expansion. The US Navy has a battleforce of about 300 ships and plans to increase that to 381, but it is struggling to maintain its existing fleet.
Key takeaways:
- The US Navy is looking to autonomous systems and artificial intelligence to improve maintenance and reduce delays at its shipyards.
- These technologies would include AI and analytical tools for scheduling and logistics, autonomous 3D scanning for maintenance assistance, and autonomous non-destructive inspection of ships and facilities.
- The Navy is interested in partnering with the commercial sector to develop these capabilities, potentially resulting in autonomous dockyard systems operated by private contractors.
- This move towards AI and automation is part of a larger trend in the US and other economies, driven by labor shortages and cost-cutting measures.