Viam and Viking Yachts Team Up to Revolutionize Yacht Manufacturing with Robotics
In a landmark move for the marine manufacturing sector, Viam, an engineering platform known for its advanced data, AI, and automation capabilities, has officially announced a partnership with Viking Yachts, a premier name in the sportfishing and cruising yacht industry. This collaboration aims to integrate cutting-edge robotic sanding technology into Viking's expansive production facilities in New Jersey, which boast over one million square feet of manufacturing space.
Fiberglass sanding, while necessary for yacht construction, is notoriously labor-intensive and demands significant time and precision. Historically, this process has required workers to wear extensive protective gear due to dust and other hazards, and the expertise involved in overseeing the sanding operation has posed challenges for productivity and quality control. Traditional robots in the sector have struggled with the unique shapes and sizes of custom yachts, adhering only to fixed paths laid out in their programming.
Viam's innovative platform, however, introduces a transformative approach to sanding. Its technology enables robots to adapt dynamically to the specific contours of each yacht, ensuring a consistently high-quality finish regardless of the yacht's dimensions or complexity. "Our partnership with Viking represents a major innovation around one of the most challenging aspects of marine manufacturing," stated Eliot Horowitz, Viam's founder and CEO. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Viam's technology allows for real-time adjustments, enhancing productivity while supporting the craftsmanship of Viking's skilled workforce.
The firm Viking Yachts was established in 1964, gaining a stellar reputation through a blend of extensive experience and commitment to innovation in yacht building. With the marine robotics industry valued at $1.26 billion in 2022 and anticipated to grow significantly over the next decade, both companies are positioned to lead an essential shift within the industry.
The integration of robotics into yacht production aligns with broader manufacturing trends emphasizing efficiency and worker safety. Viking Yachts' president and CEO, Pat Healey, highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies, asserting, "We've always embraced innovation that makes us better. If robotics can help our team work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, then it's worth the investment."
The partnership also coincides with a growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in the marine industry. Eliot Horowitz will elaborate on this collaboration and its broader implications during the Capitol Hill Ocean Week event in Washington, D.C., on June 4. The session will address technology’s role in conserving marine ecosystems and improving industry standards overall. This engagement reinforces the partnership’s commitment not only to advancing manufacturing practices but also to enhancing the stewardship of ocean resources.
In addition to its work with Viking Yachts, Viam collaborates with a variety of marine sector clients, such as Kongsberg Discovery and Digital Yacht, applying its technology across various fields from food and beverage to industrial manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Viam’s team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds, including Eliot Horowitz, who previously co-founded and served as CTO of the database technology firm MongoDB, highlighting the startup's innovative pedigree. As robotic sanding technology rolls out in July, the exchange of expertise between Viam and Viking Yachts will redefine what quality and efficiency mean for yacht manufacturing moving forward, helping to forge a new path in the industry that promises enhanced safety and smarter production methodologies.
Fiberglass sanding, while necessary for yacht construction, is notoriously labor-intensive and demands significant time and precision. Historically, this process has required workers to wear extensive protective gear due to dust and other hazards, and the expertise involved in overseeing the sanding operation has posed challenges for productivity and quality control. Traditional robots in the sector have struggled with the unique shapes and sizes of custom yachts, adhering only to fixed paths laid out in their programming.
Viam's innovative platform, however, introduces a transformative approach to sanding. Its technology enables robots to adapt dynamically to the specific contours of each yacht, ensuring a consistently high-quality finish regardless of the yacht's dimensions or complexity. "Our partnership with Viking represents a major innovation around one of the most challenging aspects of marine manufacturing," stated Eliot Horowitz, Viam's founder and CEO. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Viam's technology allows for real-time adjustments, enhancing productivity while supporting the craftsmanship of Viking's skilled workforce.
The firm Viking Yachts was established in 1964, gaining a stellar reputation through a blend of extensive experience and commitment to innovation in yacht building. With the marine robotics industry valued at $1.26 billion in 2022 and anticipated to grow significantly over the next decade, both companies are positioned to lead an essential shift within the industry.
The integration of robotics into yacht production aligns with broader manufacturing trends emphasizing efficiency and worker safety. Viking Yachts' president and CEO, Pat Healey, highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies, asserting, "We've always embraced innovation that makes us better. If robotics can help our team work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, then it's worth the investment."
The partnership also coincides with a growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in the marine industry. Eliot Horowitz will elaborate on this collaboration and its broader implications during the Capitol Hill Ocean Week event in Washington, D.C., on June 4. The session will address technology’s role in conserving marine ecosystems and improving industry standards overall. This engagement reinforces the partnership’s commitment not only to advancing manufacturing practices but also to enhancing the stewardship of ocean resources.
In addition to its work with Viking Yachts, Viam collaborates with a variety of marine sector clients, such as Kongsberg Discovery and Digital Yacht, applying its technology across various fields from food and beverage to industrial manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Viam’s team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds, including Eliot Horowitz, who previously co-founded and served as CTO of the database technology firm MongoDB, highlighting the startup's innovative pedigree. As robotic sanding technology rolls out in July, the exchange of expertise between Viam and Viking Yachts will redefine what quality and efficiency mean for yacht manufacturing moving forward, helping to forge a new path in the industry that promises enhanced safety and smarter production methodologies.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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