Small to medium-sized shipyards play a crucial role in the European naval industry. However, the globalization of technology has increased competition, posing significant challenges to shipyards, particularly in domestic markets for short sea, work, and inland vessels. Many shipyard operations still rely on manual, labor-intensive tasks performed by highly skilled operators. In response, the adoption of new tools is essential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. This paper presents a methodology for developing a human-centric portfolio of advanced technologies tailored for shipyard environments, covering processes such as shipbuilding, retrofitting, outfitting, and maintenance. The proposed technological solutions, which have achieved high technology readiness levels, include 3D modeling and digitalization, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and occupational exoskeletons. Key findings from real-scale demonstrations are discussed, along with major development and implementation challenges. Finally, best practices and recommendations are provided to support both technology developers seeking fully tested tools and end users aiming for seamless adoption.

Non-destructive testing has many advantages, such as the ability to obtain a large number of data without destroying existing structures. However, the reliability of the estimation accuracy and the limited range of applicable targets remain an issue. This study proposes a novel pin penetration test method to determine the early-age compressive strength of concrete before demolding. The timing of demolding and initial curing is determined according to the strength development of concrete. Therefore, it is important to determine the compressive strength at an early age before demolding at the actual construction site. The applicability of this strength estimation methodology at actual construction is investigated. Small test holes (12 mm in diameter) are prepared on the mold surface in real construction sites and mock-up specimens in advance. The pin is penetrated into these test holes to obtain the relationship between the compressive strength and the penetration depth. As a result, it is confirmed that the pin penetration test method is suitable for measuring the early-age compressive strength at the actual construction site. This allows the benchmark values for compressive strength, necessary to avoid early frost damage, to be directly verified on the concrete structural members at the construction site. For instance, the compressive strengths of greater than 5 MPa and 10 MPa can be confirmed by the penetration depths benchmark values of 8.0 mm and 6.7 mm or less, respectively.

The numerical simulation of particles that can be used as crash absorbers, for example, in ship collisions, is of high interest, as experimental investigation is often associated with high costs. After extensive studies on the breakage of single‐particles, the focus is now on the investigation of multi‐particle simulation. Although many parameter studies have been carried out for single‐particle compression tests, their results cannot be transferred to multi‐particle compression tests. The influence of various simulation parameters differs greatly between single and multiple particles due to the interaction between individual granules. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat the parameter studies with respect to these interactions in order to gain a better insight into the bulk behaviour of granular materials, which can then be used for the simulation of particle‐enhanced collisions.

Product engineering is a highly complex process faced with many challenges. To meet today’s challenges of society, such as climate change, energy production and demands, and demographic shifts, and to achieve economic success for companies, technical solutions in products and systems must evolve and advance. Hereby, university research provides a potent source of cutting-edge technologies and knowledge that companies can use as input to advance their solutions. However, many challenges and barriers hinder the process of transferring new technologies, concepts, and knowledge from research to corporate engineering. In this article, we present 22 recommendations to improve the usability of research results for the activities and processes of corporate product engineering. These recommendations address the three relevant target groups: (I) corporate engineers and companies, (II) researchers and research facilities, and (III) funding agencies and (research) policymakers. First, we offer recommendations for corporate engineers and companies to integrate research results more efficiently. Second, we present recommendations for researchers and research facilities to support the promotion and transferability of their research results. Third, we provide recommendations for funding agencies and (research) policymakers to positively influence the usability of research results in corporate engineering. We expect that implementing one or more of our recommendations will enhance the efficiency of knowledge and technology transfer into corporate product engineering. We anticipate this will lead to faster technological advancements for companies and social benefits by addressing today’s major challenges more effectively.