Imagine a future where humanoid robots work side by side with shipbuilders, enhancing efficiency and safety in the maritime industry.

In this episode, Persona AI CEO and Co-Founder Nic Radford joined Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and CTO, to discuss the potential for humanoid robotics in shipyards. Hosted by Brad Cox, the episode was recorded at the Ion Innovation District in Houston, TX.

Join us as we discover how advances in artificial intelligence and shifting social acceptance of robots are enabling a radical change to how ships are constructed.

Don’t forget to share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to podcast@eagle.org. Explore how ABS is helping advance the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.

Key Takeaways

• Environmental challenges in shipyards hinder traditional automation.
• The robotic hand allows for flexibility in using existing tools.
• Humanoids can work alongside humans without needing facility redesign.
• Automation can supplement the workforce rather than replace it.
• Safety benefits include reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.
• AI has made significant strides in processing and vision capabilities.

Guests

Nicolaus Radford is the Co-Founder and CEO of Persona AI, with more than 25 years of experience designing, developing, and commercializing advanced robotics technologies for space, defense, and industry. Previously, he founded Nauticus Robotics, a NASDAQ listed maritime robotics company, which developed and deployed autonomous underwater vehicles and autonomous surface ships. He also founded Jacobi Motors, an electric motor company serving traction motor markets. He also founded and serves as Managing Partner of Rad Capital Ventures, a successful hedge fund exposed to trading electricity.

Prior to founding all his technology ventures, he spent 15 years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he led several of the agency’s robotics initiatives for future spaceflight missions and International Space Station experiments, including the Valkyrie and Robonaut programs. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Houston.

Patrick Ryan is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for ABS. He is responsible for ABS’ technology research and development, digital product development, engineering software organizations, and eight Global Technology Centers. For 21 years prior to joining ABS, he was in various ship design, program management and engineering leadership roles at the largest nuclear shipyard in the U.S.

He graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and ocean engineering, and master’s in ocean engineering. He currently sits on the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Advisory Board, University of Michigan’s College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board (LAB), as well as Virginia Tech’s Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering Advisory Board, in addition to multiple Houston-area, non-profit volunteer boards.

The development of electrification and battery technologies is driving new efficiencies for the maritime industry, especially for short-range vessels like tugs and ferries.

In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Olli Tuunainen, Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore, and YunTao Chen, head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the benefits, safety considerations and future of maritime electrification.

Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to podcast@eagle.org. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.

Key Points

• Challenges in electrification include technology limitations, awareness among stakeholders, and the need for a stable energy supply.
• Safety concerns regarding battery technology and the transition from AC to DC power systems are critical for the industry.
• Current trends include the growth of hybrid applications, retrofitting existing vessels, and the development of charging infrastructure.
• Collaboration between maritime and land-based energy sectors is essential for successful electrification.
• Regulatory frameworks must evolve to support the safe implementation of electrification technologies.

Guests

Olli Tuunainen is a Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore. He has close to 20 years of experience in electrical systems and project operations for various industries and countries, always within ABB. Olli holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland. ABB Marine and Ports is committed to sustainable maritime future and prepares both vessels and ports to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Dr. YunTao Chen is the head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore. He has a background in Aerospace Engineering with a Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan. He started his career in the energy sector, held several positions in the US and Germany at Siemens Energy. Prior to joining ABS, he was leading the R&D team for sustainable solutions (such as battery energy storage systems and fuel cells) at Rolls-Royce in China. At ABS, Dr. Chen is leading the Global Electrification Center in Singapore to promote marine electrification in the Asia Pacific region and across the globe.

In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, we dive into the world of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and their impact on maritime operations — from commercial to research to national security.

Featuring insights from retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and current Saildrone President John Mustin, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Engineering Gareth Burton, and ABS Director of Government Engineering Jihed Boulares, the discussion explores the key elements of successful autonomous systems and the critical role of human oversight.

The guests also highlight the rigorous standards and rules already helping to enable safe and efficient operations for USVs in real-world conditions while regulations continue to develop.

Don’t forget to share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to podcast@eagle.org. Discover how ABS is helping advance the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.

KEY POINTS

• Saildrone’s USVs have achieved full classification status from ABS, setting a precedent for autonomous technology.
• Effective risk mitigation for USVs relies on robust perception, reliability and trust to help ensure safe operations.
• The regulatory framework for USVs is evolving, necessitating adaptations to existing guidelines for autonomous vessels.
• Human oversight is essential in high-risk operations involving USVs.
• The integration of autonomy in maritime operations is already happening, enhancing commercial operations, climate research, domain awareness and more.

GUESTS

A former U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and C-Suite technology entrepreneur, John Mustin brings to Saildrone more than three decades of experience at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, team development, and enterprise growth. A frequent speaker, published author, early-stage start-up investor, and advisory board member, he has led large, global enterprises and managed multi-billion-dollar budgets. With a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an MBA from Babson College, he is an advocate for military and veteran causes and speaks and writes regularly on national security topics and post-military service hiring practices.

Gareth Burton is Senior Vice President, Global Engineering for ABS. He is a long-time ABS employee, having joined in 2001, as an engineer. While at ABS, Gareth has held several key positions, including Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operational and Environmental Performance, and Vice President of Technology, just to name a few. His positions have spanned the globe, including the U.S., Mexico and Singapore. In his current role, Gareth leads the ABS Engineering function, responsible for the review and approval of designs of marine and offshore assets for compliance with ABS, national and international requirements.

Jihed Boulares is the Director of Engineering of the Government Engineering Services group at ABS. He oversees design review of U.S. and international government vessels for compliance with ABS Rules and international regulations. Boulares worked in the maritime industry for 21 years in various roles, including naval ships operation and maintenance, naval ships structural design and analysis, and operational and environmental performance. He joined ABS in 2008 and has served in various engineering and leadership positions in the U.S. and Europe. Prior to ABS, he has held positions as surface warfare officer aboard a combatant ship, engineering duty officer at a naval shipyard and naval architect at McDermott International.