An excellent briefing on the proposed system that ships like the Crucible will be using.
https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/engineering/15062-Ship-Repair-And-Maintenance
Well worth a read and in particular, spend some time looking at the images. For example, this is one of the screens from the
Repair Task Manager's console:
(https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/bcng8lv88nrj4r/source/Material3_v2.jpg)
Other picutres are in the article, including descriptions of the role played by the
Repair Arm Operator. Both roles need to be fulfilled in order for a repair to be undertaken.
QuoteRepair Roles
Any ship with repair capabilities has two roles that must be filled to ensure a successful repair job: the Repair Arm Operator and the Repair Task Manager.
The Repair Arm Operator is responsible for the control of the robotic repair arm. Mounted with a multi-purpose laser and material injector system, the repair arm is capable of carrying out all manner of repair tasks. The repair arm is the only player controlled method of fully restoring a ship to 100% health but requires skill, knowledge and coordination with the Repair Task Manager to do so effectively.
Initially I wasn't as interested in the repair mechanic as I was what you'd be able to do with it. I'm increasingly becoming more intrigued.
I love the idea that you could scavenge materials and components from other/damaged ships and other sources. Incredibly exciting opportunities for things as single as mundane away missions to get parts.