The U.S. Navy has raised the ceiling on a contract with Pittsburgh-based Gecko Robotics to $300 million, quadrupling the original $71 million agreement signed earlier this year. The expansion broadens the scope of the deal, which initially covered inspections for 18 ships in the Pacific fleet, to include much of the Atlantic fleet.
The contract now encompasses a broader range of naval vessels as the Navy seeks to improve fleet readiness. Gecko Robotics specializes in deploying robots equipped with artificial intelligence to inspect and maintain critical naval infrastructure, including flight decks, ballast tanks, hulls, and rudders. The company’s technology collects data previously unavailable through traditional methods, enabling AI systems to identify structural issues and predict potential failures before they occur.
Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian stated that the expansion reflects the success of the initial program and the Navy’s prioritization of tech-driven maintenance solutions. “From April ’til now, the expansion quadrupling the size of this contract vehicle is insane,” Loosararian said. “Speaks to how much success we’re having, but also how important this is for the U.S. Navy.” The Navy’s goal is to increase fleet readiness from the current 60% to 80%, with a ship stuck in dry dock representing lost operational capacity.
The expanded contract includes the deployment of a new robot, Komodo, designed to inspect steel beneath thick deck coatings without requiring prior removal. Loosararian described the technology as “essentially a CAT scan” for naval vessels, allowing maintenance crews to identify corrosion and material thickness before invasive repairs begin. Gecko Robotics estimates its technology can save the Navy up to $8 million in repair costs per ship and identify structural issues up to 50 times faster than traditional inspection methods.
The Navy’s decision to scale the contract underscores its emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to address maintenance backlogs and enhance operational efficiency. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize naval infrastructure and address challenges posed by global competitors, including China. The contract expansion was announced as the Navy seeks to accelerate ship maintenance cycles and reduce downtime for critical assets.