Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.masoncountypress.com
A view of the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. in August.
MARINETTE, Wis. — Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, announced plans to invest nearly $100 million in robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced automation at its shipyards around the world, including its three facilities in Wisconsin.
The Italian-based company announced Oct. 15 that it was expanding its BOOST² — The Shipyard of the Future program, an initiative launched three years ago to develop and introduce new technologies into shipbuilding operations. The investment is part of the company’s 2026-2030 industrial plan.
More than 450 employees at 13 shipyards worldwide have participated in the program, including employees at Fincantieri Marinette Marine and the company’s Wisconsin System of Shipyards.
Fincantieri operates three Wisconsin facilities: Marinette Marine in Marinette, Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay and ACE Marine in Green Bay.
Marinette Marine specializes in military shipbuilding, including vessels for the U.S. Navy. Bay Shipbuilding constructs, repairs and converts commercial vessels, including Great Lakes freighters. ACE Marine specializes in aluminum vessels for military and commercial applications.
The modernization program focuses on integrating artificial intelligence with robotics to improve production efficiency, workplace safety and construction quality.
One of the technologies being developed is known as Physical AI, which allows intelligent robotic systems to interact with their physical surroundings. Unlike conventional automated equipment that performs predetermined tasks, Physical AI systems can respond to changing conditions and assist employees with complex manufacturing operations.
The program also includes collaborative robotics, which allows machines and employees to work together during manufacturing operations.
Other technologies include digital twin systems, which create virtual representations of shipyard equipment and processes; advanced supply chain management; 3D printing; and automated manufacturing equipment.
Fincantieri officials said the technologies were intended to improve coordination between vessel design, production planning and construction.
Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and managing director of Fincantieri, said the initiative was intended to combine advanced technology with the experience of shipyard workers.
“Our ambition is to build the shipyard of the future, where people and intelligent technologies work side by side,” Folgiero said.
The company presented demonstrations of the technologies Oct. 13 at its Castellammare di Stabia shipyard in Italy. The demonstrations included equipment already operating in shipyards, technologies undergoing testing and systems still being developed.
Following three years of research and experimentation, the program is moving toward introducing the technologies into regular shipyard operations. Fincantieri plans to expand their use across its international facilities.
The company is also working with technology businesses and startups to develop automated systems specifically designed for shipbuilding.
Fincantieri officials said employee participation has been a central part of the initiative, allowing equipment to be tested in actual production environments before broader implementation.
The company has not announced how much of the nearly $100 million investment will be allocated to its Wisconsin facilities.
Fincantieri operates 18 shipyards worldwide and employs more than 24,000 people. Its operations include construction of naval vessels, cruise ships, commercial vessels and offshore ships.
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