Gecko Robotics Secures $71 Million Contract With U.S. Navy

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 17, 2026

Gecko Robotics secured a $71 million contract with the United States Navy to support ship inspection and maintenance. The agreement focuses on robotics used to improve repair processes across naval infrastructure. U.S. authorities are increasing spending on defense modernization, including shipbuilding and maintenance capacity.

Technology That Redefines Maintenance

Gecko Robotics develops robots designed to operate across ship hulls and industrial infrastructure. These systems use sensors and cameras to collect inspection data in real time. According to the company, maintenance timelines can be reduced from several months to a few days in certain cases. Inspection speeds are also higher compared with manual processes.

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A Push For Fleet Readiness

CEO Jake Loosararian said current maintenance processes require modernization to meet operational targets. The U.S. Navy aims to reach 80% fleet readiness by 2027. Gecko said its technology is designed to support faster repairs and improve the allocation of maintenance resources.

Disrupting Traditional Defense Contractors

U.S. defense agencies have increasingly engaged technology firms to upgrade existing systems. Companies such as Gecko Robotics are developing tools based on automation and data analysis. Loosararian said the effectiveness of AI systems depends on the quality of data collected during inspections. He added that software alone cannot replace physical infrastructure analysis.

Broad Industry Partnerships And Strategic Impact

Gecko Robotics works with companies across defense, energy and manufacturing sectors. Partners include L3Harris Technologies and Freeport-McMoRan. These collaborations focus on inspection systems used in industrial and defense environments.

A Future Defined By Disruption

Valued at $1.25 billion following a $125 million funding round in June, Gecko Robotics epitomizes the disruptive force of technological innovation in defense. As the U.S. continues to upgrade its military infrastructure, the integration of flight, aquatic, and climbing robotics is set to become a cornerstone of modern defense logistics, reaffirming the indispensable role of advanced technology in national security.

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Paphos Tourism Board Reports Strong Uptake For Smart Signage Programme

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 25, 2026

The Paphos regional board of tourism (Etap Paphos) says its smart signage programme continues to attract strong visitor engagement, highlighting the growing role of digital tools in destination management and tourism experiences.

Designed to replace traditional information boards with interactive and environmentally friendly signage, the initiative aims to improve access to information while supporting a more sustainable visitor experience.

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QR Code Engagement Continues To Rise

Between January and June 2026, visitors recorded more than 43,000 QR code scans across 150 smart signs installed throughout the district.

Usage remained strong throughout 2025, with the network generating more than 140,000 scans between January and December, indicating that the platform has become an established part of the region’s tourism offering.

Top Destinations Attract The Most Interest

Data from Etap Paphos show that the most frequently accessed locations in 2025 included Panagia Chrysopolitissa, the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, Kremmiotis Waterfall in Kritou Terra, the Catacomb of Agia Solomoni and the Maa-Palaiokastro archaeological site in the Municipality of Akamas.

Among international users, the largest numbers of scans came from visitors from the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Israel and Greece, excluding permanent residents of Cyprus.

Expansion Continues In 2026

Further expansion is planned this year, with the seventh phase of the programme already underway.

Eight additional smart signs are scheduled for installation at points of interest and natural landmarks in Nikokleia, Pelathousa, the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, Letymbou and the Municipality of Akamas.

By scanning a QR code, visitors can access content in their preferred language through a smartphone or tablet. Available features include audio guides, written information, photographs, videos and 360-degree virtual tours.

Digitalisation As A Tourism Strategy

According to Etap Paphos, digitalisation remains a key pillar of its broader tourism strategy, alongside accessibility, sustainable development, cultural heritage promotion, creative tourism and destination marketing.

These initiatives form part of the organisation’s long-term efforts to strengthen Paphos’ position as a year-round destination while enhancing the visitor experience through technology.

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