How much of modern shipbuilding and component construction can still be automated if a navy suddenly needs many more ships?
Short answerMore automation is possible, but heavy components, design variation, computing needs, capital cost, and unstable orders limit how far it can sensibly go.
NotesMore shipbuilding tasks could be automated, but yards first have to pay for the machinery. Heavy components and variation between ship designs can make skilled workers and cranes more economical than specialized robots. The computing needed by sophisticated automation adds cost and occupies space. Automation can still help yards make better use of limited personnel where the investment makes sense. Babcock's Type 31 production and yard expansion provide the procurement example: further investment becomes harder to justify while expected follow-on orders remain unconfirmed.