Woof woof – The four-legged robotic welder has arrived
The world, it seems, is changing before our very eyes as AI continues to take hold. I read about the launch of a new robotic welder called Rove, or more precisely, a robotic welding system. At first glance, this invention looks strangely like my dog! But take a closer look, and you will understand why this innovative little fellow is making waves in shipyards.
Shipbuilding, heavy construction, and large-scale fabrication face a shared constraint: massive assemblies, inconsistent fit-up, and workpieces that cannot be moved, let alone fixtured inside of a welding cell, says Path Robotics, the company behind Rove. These conditions have limited welding automation in the environments that need it most – just as skilled welder shortages are reaching critical levels. Rove brings welding automation to these exact environments.
“Obsidian has proven that physical AI can solve some of the hardest welding challenges inside the cell,” said Andy Lonsberry, CEO and co-founder of Path Robotics. “Rove is a significant next step and one our customers have been seeking. Manufacturers can now deploy Obsidian wherever welding is needed – across large assemblies, production sites, and in environments where moving the part isn’t an option.”
Saronic Technologies, a leader in autonomous maritime vessels, is one of the first early adopters to evaluate the system, integrating Rove’s intelligent mobile welding into its physical AI-powered shipbuilding operations in Franklin, Louisiana.
“Building the next generation of autonomous vessels means rethinking not just how ships operate, but also how they’re made,” said John Morgan, head of manufacturing, Saronic. “Rove represents the kind of intelligent, adaptable tooling we need to bring shipyard operations into the modern era—we look forward to seeing what Rove can do and are excited to partner with Path Robotics as we scale production of the next generation of autonomous vessels.”
The humble shipping container turns 70
There cannot be many more instantly recognisable sights in our daily lives than the ubiquitous shipping container. They are everywhere and come in all colours. So, in praise of this humdrum but essential product, which transformed our world, join me in celebrating the 70th birthday of the shipping container.
For those who are too young to remember, here is the short backstory. Malcom Mclean, an American trucking company owner and trucker turned inventor and mechanical engineer Keith Tantlinger got together to create the first shipping container. The first consignment of just 58 containers was loaded on board the SS Ideal X, a converted World War II oil tanker, on 26th April 1956.
Over time ISO standards were developed for containers, and this enabled mass production and usage of standardised containers, which also enabled the ports, container terminals and handling equipment to be standardised across the globe, the evolution of which has resulted in the current mega-ships capable of carrying more than 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) on a single ship.
One estimate suggests there could be as many as 40 million containers in circulation. Let’s raise a glass to the humble shipping container and Malcolm and Keith who invented them.
Reports suggest that Jeff Bezos is selling the world’s largest sailing yacht
How deep are your pockets? They will need to be very deep if you fancy buying Bezos’s megayacht!
Gossip column Page Six has obtained confirmation that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is selling his megayacht, the $500 million sailing vessel Koru. The reason offered, according to the outlet’s sources, is that the vessel has become “too recognizable” for the multibillionaire tech executive. So, it seems that owning a megayacht has its drawbacks!
Koru is among the world’s most distinctive yachts – and not just because of her imposing three-masted silhouette, her 417-foot length or her elegant counter stern. Famously, the yacht’s prow features a life-size bust of Bezos’ second wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, carved from wood and adorned in gold trim.
The yacht is among the largest vessels operating under sail and has a massive sail plan. Koru is normally attended by a support vessel, the Damen-designed Abeona, itself valued at $75 million. As sailing yachts are incompatible with helicopters, Abeona provides a helipad and a way for Sanchez – a helicopter pilot – to exercise her skills. It is unclear whether Abeona is also for sale, either separately or as a package with Koru.
So, don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime, or you might regret it!
Removal of the grounded MSC Baltic III set to start in 2027
I wanted to share this story, which has not been especially high-profile in many parts of the world, to highlight for those with limited understanding just what is involved following an incident of this severity, and what presents unique operational challenges. Clearly, a long and dangerous process lies ahead! Wreck removal is high risk and under-reported, hence my desire to bring this story to you. I wish those who will be involved a successful and safe outcome.
The vessel grounded in a remote location at Cedar Cove, near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, on 15 February 2025. So already 18 months have passed by, and the laden vessel lies marooned. Most pollutants have already been extracted with only minimal signs of remaining contamination. But some residual fuel, contaminated water, and 63 cargo containers remain onboard.
The vessel’s owner has appointed Resolve Marine, working alongside subcontractors JCL Investments and Newco Metals, to complete the remaining salvage operations and final removal. Resolve’s director of projects and team leader, Todd Schauer, noted that while the company regularly undertakes salvage work, the Baltic presents unique operational challenges.
Salvage teams plan to dismantle the vessel in sections using chain pullers, removing parts ashore where possible. Fuel tanks will be extracted separately, and the remaining structure will eventually be transported for recycling.
Todd added that all materials will ultimately be removed once the project is complete. Around 50 workers are expected to be based in Lark Harbour during the operation, and he explained that a purely marine-based removal would likely take several years due to limited weather windows in the region.
Something overwhelmingly positive has come from adversity
This is a heart-warming story and one that struck a chord with me. The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has donated the wreck of the fishing vessel Nicola Faith to Cranfield University for use when training students in accident investigation on its Fundamentals of Accident Investigation Course.
Nicola Faith was a fishing vessel that capsized off the coast of Colwyn Bay, Wales in 2021 leading to the tragic loss of the three crew members – Ross Ballantine, Alan Minard and Carl McGrath. To thoroughly investigate the accident and learn safety lessons, the MAIB conducted an extensive search for the vessel and salvaged the wreckage when it was discovered. Having completed the investigation, the MAIB has now donated the wreck to create a beneficial educational opportunity.
It seems that the MAIB has long established links to Cranfield and has donated the vessel along with factual evidence gathered as part of the investigation to enable Cranfield to create a realistic scenario of a fishing vessel capsize. The scenario will enable trainee accident investigators to apply and test their knowledge by conducting a simulated accident investigation. Nicola Faith will be renamed Pisces II and will replace the vessel Pisces, which has been used at Cranfield for many years.
Let this positive initiative act as a reminder to the three men who lost their lives in this awful accident.
That’s your lot for this month!
Survey well.
Mike Schwarz