Advanced Shipyard Technology
The Advanced Shipyard Technology (AST) program supports Navy efforts to address warfighter maintenance and construction challenges by developing, maturing, and demonstrating technologies that improve Naval Shipyard sustainment operations. AST aligns with priorities outlined in the CNO Navigation Plan 2025, which emphasizes improving fleet readiness and accelerating the integration of robotics, autonomy, and digital capabilities across Navy operational and sustainment environments. AST funding facilitates collaboration between government, academia, and industry to rapidly prototype and transition technology and process improvements into shipyard operations. Through Technology Focus Teams (TFTs), the program targets solutions in areas such as asset visibility, operational IT, unmanned systems, extended reality, robotic process automation, advanced manufacturing, inspection and testing, and corrosion control and repair. These efforts enhance workforce productivity, improve maintenance execution, and contribute to reduced ship availability durations, where delays can cost approximately $1M per day. Sustained funding is required to support additional projects, initiatives, and implementation of successful capabilities across Naval Shipyard operations.
FY2027 planned work Continue maturation and implementation of RPA capabilities, expanding automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce manual workload, and support improved data management across shipyard processes.
FY2026 to FY2027 change The decrease from $3.6M in FY26 to $1.710M in FY27 reflects the transition of the Technology Focus Teams (TFTs) from the establishment and development phase to the sustainment and implementation phase, shifting funding requirements from RDT&E toward ongoing operational support. This reduction also reflects prioritization within a constrained budget, while maintaining critical Robotic Process Automation (RPA) development and implementation activities.
FY2026 plans — current year This technology area will remain a primary focus for implementation in FY 2026. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Continue development, evaluation, and implementation of RPA solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual administrative and data-processing tasks within Naval Shipyard operations. Focus on high-value automation opportunities and integrating mature solutions into standard workflows.