FBR Limited has demonstrated its robotic automation technology to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) as part of ongoing discussions about a potential collaboration.
The demonstration followed a technical and engineering study conducted by FBR to explore the feasibility of integrating its automation technology into shipbuilding processes, as revealed in an ASX announcement.
FBR initiated discussions with SHI in April 2024 after the shipbuilder expressed interest in FBR’s long-boom automated robotics, which have been effectively deployed in outdoor environments.
As part of the feasibility study, FBR conducted on-site assessments at SHI’s facilities in South Korea to evaluate manual processes, while SHI representatives later visited FBR’s headquarters in Perth to observe the DST® technology in action.
To demonstrate its capabilities, FBR adapted its Hadrian robot (H01) for the shipbuilding-specific presentation, conducted on 24 February 2025.
The showcase reinforced FBR’s expertise in automation and strengthened its position as a leader in robotic solutions for industrial applications.
FBR’s Managing Director, Mike Pivac, emphasized the significance of the potential collaboration. “FBR is proud to work with SHI in exploring how our DST® technology, AI vision, and QC systems can enhance automation in shipbuilding. This represents an exciting adjacent market for our technology,” he said.
SHI Vice President of Offshore Proposals, Antonio Yun, recognized the potential impact of FBR’s robotics in streamlining shipbuilding operations.
“I saw FBR’s DST® technology and I thought it could be a game changer for the automation of the large-scale outdoor manufacturing processes used for material movement and precision positioning activities.”
“Automation of certain processes is expected to substantially speed up our manufacturing processes and will help to free up our skilled workers to focus on other aspects of ship building.” Yun stated.
Although formal agreements have yet to be finalised, both companies have signaled their intent to advance discussions on a joint development initiative that could lead to the engineering and prototyping of automated solutions for the shipbuilding sector.
