Fincantieri Accelerates Robotics and Physical AI to Build the Shipyard of the Future
TRIESTE, Italy & WASHINGTON, October 15, 2026--Fincantieri, a global leader in high-complexity shipbuilding, is accelerating the transformation of its shipyards through the integration of advanced robotics, Physical AI, and next-generation automation systems, to make production processes increasingly efficient, safe, and competitive.
This is the vision behind BOOST² – The Shipyard of the Future, the industrial innovation program launched by the Group three years ago to identify, develop, and integrate new technologies into its production processes. The program includes almost $100 million in investment across the global network during the 2026–2030 Industrial Plan period.
The BOOST² initiative has involved more than 450 Fincantieri employees across 13 shipyards globally, including Fincantieri Marinette Marine and the Wisconsin System of Shipyards, ensuring the operational needs of the shipyards are the key focus as new production solutions are developed.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: "The next frontier of industrial competitiveness is bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world, integrating it with robotics and the expertise embedded in our manufacturing operations. Through BOOST², we have laid the foundations for embedding new technologies into our processes and have already introduced the first solutions into our shipyards. Today, the challenge is to accelerate their industrial deployment and adoption at scale, turning innovation into greater productivity, safety, and quality. Our ambition is to build the shipyard of the future, where people and intelligent technologies work side by side, further strengthening Fincantieri's industrial and technological leadership."
Physical AI is at the heart of the program. It enables intelligent systems to interact with the physical world, and collaborative robotics, with applications designed to support people in carrying out the most complex tasks. These technologies are complemented by Digital Twin solutions for the digital management of shipyard assets and processes, Smart Supply Chain systems, additive manufacturing, and automated solutions for industrial equipment. The objective is to progressively integrate them into operational workflows, without slowing down on-going production, and strengthen the connection between design, planning, and production.
In parallel, Fincantieri is expanding its engagement with leading innovation ecosystems through initiatives such as the upcoming Dual-Use Hackathon, which will be held in Silicon Valley later this week. The hackathon, the latest in the series, is aimed at identifying and accelerating the adoption of the most promising technologies for the shipyard of the future.