Ship shape in Europe: cooperative robots in the ship repair industry

This paper presents a robotic system for hull grit blasting that achieves high-quality surface preparation while drastically reducing waste with zero emissions to the environment. This technology is integrated in a fully automated, low-cost blasting system. This paper also reports on the development of an Environmental Friendly and Cost-effective Technology for Coating Removal System by a European consortium, which brings together shipyards, equipment manufacturers and research centers.