Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics,an Italian company focused on autonomous humanoid robots, announced an industrial partnership to develop a humanoid welding robot designed to operate alongside humans in the shipbuilder’s shipyards.

The collaboration integrates Fincantieri’s industrial expertise with the robotic platform developed by Generative Bionics, with the goal of increasing safety and operational efficiency, improving production quality and enhancing sustainability, according to the companies.

“Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence applied to industrial processes represent a strategic lever for the evolution of shipbuilding and for the competitiveness of the European industrial system,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and general manager of Fincantieri.

“The collaboration with Generative Bionics is part of the transformation journey we are undertaking to strengthen our operational excellence, enhance the work of our people and address in a structured way the challenges related to growing production complexity and the availability of specialized skills.”

The humanoid robot will support specific welding activities in naval manufacturing.

The robot will be equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced manipulation, perception and vision capabilities for monitoring the welding seam, and optimized locomotion to operate in complex environments.

The collaboration program is expected to span four years.

Initial on-site tests are scheduled by the end of 2026, with operational functionalities available within the first two years.

Development and testing will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard.

The collaboration is part of Fincantieri’s strategy in advanced robotics and innovation.

The adoption of Physical AI systems supports production continuity and assists workers in repetitive, physically demanding or ergonomically challenging tasks.

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line today announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure.

This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations.

DXC will deliver IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless and connected experience for guests.

“At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival.

“The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision.”

“With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside,” added Kenny.

“This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the hospitality and travel sectors,” said Chris Drumgoole, president of global infrastructure services at DXC Technology.

“Our goal is clear: deliver complete customer operational confidence by minimising technology disruptions. By managing their complex IT operations and providing modern solutions, we’re proud to help Carnival do what they do best, ensuring every guest enjoys their cruise vacation,” added Drumgoole.

Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments, including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities.

Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support Carnival’s workforce needs and provide a consistent guest experience.

Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management.

Fincantieri and Accenture Launch Fincantieri Ingenium

Fincantieri and Accenture have signed an agreement to establish Fincantieri Ingenium, a joint venture focused on accelerating digital transformation in the cruise, defense and port infrastructure sectors.

Fincantieri NexTech, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Group, will own 70 percent of the venture, with Accenture holding 30 percent.

This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s expertise in the naval sector with Accenture’s advanced digital capabilities, including digital engineering and manufacturing.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, said: “With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry. This joint venture represents a strategic step forward in accelerating the digitalization of the sector, leveraging artificial intelligence and the most advanced technologies. Thanks to the synergy with Accenture, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that will make our ships and infrastructures increasingly connected, efficient and sustainable, consolidating Fincantieri’s role as a global leader in the sector.”

Fincantieri Ingenium’s first strategic initiative is the development of Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem for next-generation ships and fleet upgrades.

The project focuses on three key areas: a portfolio of application services to optimize ship and infrastructure management, a digital platform offering AI-driven functionalities with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, and a marketplace for exchanging solutions to create new business models in the maritime ecosystem.

The first vessel fitted with Navis Sapiens is expected to launch by the end of 2025. The joint venture will also enhance real-time data exchange and connectivity between ships and onshore systems, including ports and shipyards, through a sea-to-shore interoperability solution.

Fincantieri Ingenium will focus on sustainability in all initiatives. The systems will be designed to reduce environmental impact by leveraging data-driven energy optimization, helping shipowners lower fuel consumption.

Teodoro Lio, MU lead for ICEG and CEO of Accenture Italy, said: “We are excited about this joint venture with Fincantieri, which marks a significant step forward in maritime innovation and is a tangible example of collaboration between two organizations committed to transforming the market and creating new value. With Fincantieri Ingenium, we combine our strengths to shape new operating models that will transform maritime operations through innovative technologies.”