In Russia, Robots Begin Cleaning Ship Surfaces
Robotic systems are now being used in Russia to clean ship surfaces, helping cut costs and significantly increase productivity.
Yulia Trushakina, head of the industrial and shipbuilding sector at Velesgard LLC, spoke about the technology at the Ship Repair, Modernization and Components conference. According to Trushakina, the robot attaches itself magnetically to the surface and then starts working. An operator controls the machine. There are two types of devices: one cleans surfaces using abrasives, while the other uses high-pressure water.
Automation cuts the cost of the work by about 70%, while productivity increases by 20–25%.
“Robots can deliver high-quality surface cleaning. For example, when we use an abrasive-based robot, we achieve a very high level of cleaning, Sa 2.5, in line with the applicable standards. I should also explain the zero-discharge system. The abrasive or water is delivered through one hose, while all the dirt, old paint and old coating are removed through a second hose. This means nothing enters the water, and there is no need for any additional containment equipment,” the Velesgard representative explained.
