In a strategic move necessitated by ongoing naval competition, especially with China, the U.S. Navy is investing $71 million in automation technology. These investments come as approximately 60% of Navy ships are operational due to significant maintenance backlogs. The newly acquired robotic systems from Gecko Robotics will enable swift inspections on various ship surfaces, targeting issues like corrosion and weld defects that may hinder operational capacity. The need for this technology has been amplified by the pressing reality of China's naval expansion, which boasts approximately 370 to 390 vessels compared to the U.S. naval fleet of about 300. The United States has proven unable to match China's rapid ship production rate, thus compelling the Navy to find alternate methods to enhance fleet readiness. The U.S. Navy aims for an 80% fleet readiness benchmark by 2027, as stated by Navy leaders emphasizing the urgency amid rising competition. Gecko Robotics, founded in Pittsburgh, developed the robots to alleviate the traditional inspection burden and increase the efficiency of maintenance processes. The robots are designed to autonomously scale the ships, gathering data and identifying potential structural issues before they necessitate extensive repairs. Furthermore, the program also addresses operational problems stemming from workforce shortages within shipyards. Many trained personnel have left the industry, while new hires face challenges in adapting to the demanding shipbuilding work. The technology from Gecko Robotics is viewed not just as a solution for maintenance performance but also as a means to bolster the workforce constraints currently affecting shipbuilding. Ultimately, this transition towards automation and AI aims to position the U.S. Navy favorably in the global maritime landscape, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing its operations to meet evolving threats effectively.