HD Hyundai announced Thursday that its subsidiaries have partnered with robotics companies to develop an artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robot for welding, aiming to improve both efficiency and safety in the essential yet hazardous process of shipbuilding.
According to the company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the shipbuilding arm of HD Hyundai, and HD Hyundai Robotics recently signed a strategic partnership in Houston, Texas, with two firms: Persona AI, a US-based robotics startup, and Vazil Company, a Korean automation solution provider.
Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Robotics will provide AI-based welding automation solutions, while HD KSOE will contribute data and technical expertise to ensure the robot operates effectively in real shipyard environments, HD Hyundai said. The shipbuilder will also conduct performance validation.
Persona AI will be responsible for developing the humanoid’s hardware, along with AI-powered control and learning algorithms, while Vazil Company will focus on designing and building the robot’s welding tools.
The partnership aims to complete a prototype by 2026, with testing at the real yard and commercialization beginning in 2027.
"Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety," said Lee Dong-ju, head of the manufacturing innovation laboratory at HD KSOE.
"By developing robots optimized for shipyard tasks, we aim to set a new paradigm in shipbuilding automation. Our goal is a smart shipyard where humans and intelligent robots collaborate seamlessly."
By Lim Jae-seong (forestjs@heraldcorp.com)
