ABSTRACT
In the next decades, Robotic Additive Manufacturing (RAM) will certainly represent a disruptive technology which will drastically change the traditional way of designing, manufacturing and supplying components. While many industrial sectors are successfully leveraging the Additive Manufacturing (AM) potential in order to develop and manufacture more efficient products through cutting-edge technologies, the maritime sector seems to be at its infancy regarding industrial applications. This has to be primarily brought back to the consolidated manufacturing processes and stringent regulations that have prevented the full integration of this technology. With this scenario in mind, this paper aims to emphasize the potential of robotic additive manufacturing platforms for marine applications. The capabilities of the RAM technology are discussed accounting the maritime industry main demands. The most promising AM techniques tailored to RAM applications are then identified according to specific indicators. Finally, the functional design of a RAM platform is provided and future research work routes are briefly discussed.
