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 [email protected]. 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.