Comau and Fincantieri, two Italian companies of global reference in their respective markets, present the first result of their joint collaboration with Automatica: MR4Weld (Mobile Robot for Weld), a mobile robot, an innovative automation solution for environments outdoors, designed to improve the quality, performance and well-being of operators during labour-intensive welding activities.
The companies have also renewed their strategic agreement, to apply technology, digitization and innovation within state-of-the-art mobile robotic solutions that will increase production speed and worker well-being by automating traditional manual processes. After signing a letter of intent in 2021 – aimed at the development of robotic prototypes of steel welding solutions and the consequent construction of a series of machines – and after successfully completing the production tests of the prototypes, which are currently underway , the CEO of Comau, Pietro Gorlier, and the CEO of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero, have signed a new agreement which provides for the development of further machines and robotic mobile solutions for unstructured environments.
Considered as a new paradigm for taking automation beyond the production area, the MR4Weld mobile robot is being tested and will subsequently be used in the Fincantieri shipyards to autonomously weld steel structures, with the possibility of increasing operations up to to 3 times compared to a manual process. This system features a high payload 6-axis articulated robot, equipped with a welding torch installed on a tracked undercarriage and with an integrated vision system to autonomously identify weld joints. And more importantly, it ensures a better weld quality while reducing ergonomic risks. It also helps transform the shipbuilding process, ensuring greater flexibility and higher safety, as well as reducing overall costs.
Designed to be able to move in any environment and collaborate with workers, MR4Weld can be easily managed by a single operator during transfer and welding activities. The system also uses digital tools to collect welding and manufacturing data, which can be used to track weld joints. Being MR4Weld fully compliant with current safety regulations, it can be used without fences on each of the multiple floors of which a vessel is composed. Fincantieri and Comau have jointly filed a European patent application for some specific technical characteristics. This state-of-the-art solution can also be seamlessly integrated into Comau's digital infrastructure, further safeguarding the productivity and profitability of the robotic solution.
As part of this renewed collaboration, the companies will develop advanced and mobile robotics solutions to automate other repetitive tasks within shipbuilding processes, including those involving vertical and non-linear surfaces and unstructured environments, as well as testing of exoskeletons Comau to further improve ergonomic conditions and operator well-being. Fincantieri will also work with Comau to strengthen and improve the technical skills of its operators in terms of use and programming of mobile robotic systems, adapting dedicated advanced training programs already developed by Comau to operators in the shipbuilding sector. The use of automated solutions in highly repetitive and non-high value-added production activities represents one of the pillars of Fincantieri's strategy. Comau will take a further step in the differentiation of its business activities, extending them into new segments, beyond the perimeter of the factory. Both companies will start industrialising their unique MR4Weld robotic solution, which can be applied not only to the shipbuilding industry, but also to industries that require the production of large steel infrastructure, to name just one example. As part of the letter of intent, the two companies will study and evaluate the methods and related agreements to further facilitate the timely development of the identified technological solutions.
“In addition to the opportunity to work with a leading company such as Fincantieri and to develop cutting-edge robotic mobile systems for unstructured environments, the extension of our collaboration expresses Comau's determination to provide cutting-edge and highly flexible solutions for of complex production", explained Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “We also believe that the significant market potential for the MR4Weld mobile robot goes beyond shipbuilding, as the mobile robotics market is estimated to have a 15% annual growth rate over five years (2022 to 2027), in based on internal estimates and market research".
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, said: “MR4Weld is a project that intercepts multiple directions of our development: automation and digitization, two driving elements of our industrial plan, on a par with corporate responsibility, which finds its response in the fulfillment of as many as five of the UN's sustainable development goals, also with reference to the safety and training of resources. The partnership with Comau has produced a unicum in our sector, a result of great industrial value which confirms Fincantieri's commitment to the pursuit of excellence".
