Gecko Robotics lands the largest U.S. Navy robotics deal yet

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Navy has secured its largest robotics contract to date, signaling a significant shift toward enhanced fleet maintenance through advanced technology. Gecko Robotics, a company based in Pittsburgh that specializes in robots and sensors for inspecting large industrial assets, has announced a five-year IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) agreement with both the U.S. Navy and the General Services Administration (GSA). This deal kicks off with an initial funding of $54 million and has the potential to reach up to $71 million. The Navy plans to employ Gecko’s innovative robots and sensors to assess the condition and health of its naval assets, starting with a focus on 18 ships within the U.S. Pacific Fleet. According to Gecko's founder and CEO, Jake Loosararian, these robots will navigate every corner of the vessels to create detailed digital replicas, commonly referred to as “digital twins.” The software developed by Gecko will enable the Navy to monitor these assets effectively and recommend necessary maintenance, aiming to preemptively address issues and minimize downtime and expenses. Loosararian elaborated on the advantages of establishing a digital representation of the health and condition of these naval assets. He stated, "Once you create that digital representation using the robotic systems, you can accelerate decision-making and repair processes. The objective is to build a dynamic model that reduces the time these assets need to be out of service." This partnership is pivotal for the Navy, which aims to achieve 80% ship readiness by 2027. Currently, approximately 40% of the fleet is unavailable at any time, primarily due to lengthy maintenance cycles. Loosararian highlighted the financial implications of this issue, noting that maintenance costs can range from $13 billion to $20 billion annually. He emphasized the urgency of optimizing asset availability, especially as the vessels continue to age. Gecko Robotics has been collaborating with the U.S. Navy for the past four years, initially sparked by an inquiry from a port engineer in Japan. Following an evaluation and the development of a preventative maintenance plan, the Navy's satisfaction with Gecko's capabilities has paved the way for this significant contract. Loosararian expressed his vision for the future, stating, "I want to live in a world where ships don’t undergo extended maintenance cycles because we can identify and fix issues while they are still in operation. This is the future I envision for both military and civilian assets."