NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

The Flying Carpet: A Tool to Improve Ship Repair Efficiency

Published

Author(s)

Roger V. Bostelman, William P. Shackleford, Frederick M. Proctor, James S. Albus, Alan M. Lytle

Abstract

NIST is working directly with industry to improve repair and conversion operations of ships in dry dock. The technology discussed is applicable to shipbuilding, aircraft maintenance, construction, and other industries requiring worker-access to large, external surfaces with minimum footprint and maximum system rigidity and control. The technology augments conventional suspended-scaffold systems by providing safe, rapid access to non-planar surfaces. This approach moves toward more autonomous large-scale manufacturing applications.
Proceedings Title
American Society of Naval Engineers Sumposium, Manufacturing Technology for Ship Construction and Repair
Conference Dates
September 10-12, 2002
Conference Title
American Society of Naval Engineers Conference
Pub Type
Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

cable controlled, large scale manufacturing, robotics, ship repair, worker-access

Citation

Bostelman, R. , Shackleford, W. , Proctor, F. , Albus, J. and Lytle, A. (2002), The Flying Carpet: A Tool to Improve Ship Repair Efficiency, American Society of Naval Engineers Sumposium, Manufacturing Technology for Ship Construction and Repair, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=823431 (Accessed October 13, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created September 1, 2002, Updated February 17, 2017
Was this page helpful?