Bechtel Plant Machinery, a prime contractor for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, has joined forces with Gecko Robotics to implement cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and inspection technologies that enhance the quality and efficiency of components used aboard U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward modernizing the U.S. Defense Industrial Base. BPMI and its network of suppliers are actively integrating Gecko’s robotic inspection systems and AI-powered platforms to dramatically reduce inspection timelines-from basic forgings to intricate finished components. In early trials, Gecko’s solutions reduced forged component inspection spans by as much as 90%, unlocking substantial cost savings and accelerating production timelines critical to U.S. Navy operations.
Beyond inspection speed, the partnership is driving innovation through the creation of digital twins-high-fidelity, data-rich replicas of vital naval components. Gecko’s technology captures and compiles detailed manufacturing health histories, providing authorized personnel with a complete digital record of each part. This visibility supports predictive maintenance strategies, enhances long-term performance reliability, and minimizes the likelihood of unexpected downtime throughout a component’s lifecycle.
Also Read: Raft Leverages Chainguard to Accelerate Secure Defense Innovation for National Security
By embedding these technologies within BPMI’s production pipeline, the collaboration is helping to transform legacy processes in the shipbuilding sector, bringing new agility and resilience at a time when great power competition demands rapid and reliable defense manufacturing.
“Rebuilding the American Defense Industrial Base must start with having the right data – and knowing how to use it,” said Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics. “While America is building incredible technology across the defense space, they all have one thing in common – the need for parts and components we can trust. Gecko’s partnership with BPMI is about transforming American shipbuilding by interrogating the integrity of each component and building a digital thread that will improve the manufacturing process while also fundamentally changing how we operate assets throughout their lifecycles. We are proud to partner with BPMI to spearhead the digital transformation of our defense industrial base.”
Barb Staniscia, BPMI President and General Manager, shares, “Our partnership with Gecko Robotics showcases the power of connecting suppliers and advanced manufacturing technologies within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base. Gecko Robotics’ advancements will reduce the time span while maintaining the quality standards for suppliers across the industrial base-adding up to lasting and impactful effects for the U.S. Navy and our national security.”