Innovative Partnership Sets Stage for Humanoid Welding Robots in Shipbuilding Industry

Groundbreaking Collaboration in Shipbuilding Automation

In a pioneering move towards the automation of shipbuilding, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) along with HD Hyundai Robotics, have partnered with Persona AI and Vazil Company. This collaboration aims to develop advanced humanoid robots capable of performing intricate welding tasks suited to the shipyard environment. This partnership is expected to usher in a new era of human-robot collaboration, enhancing productivity and worker safety across the industry.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing took place in Houston, Texas, marking a significant milestone for HD Hyundai as they lead South Korea’s first initiative to integrate humanoid technology into welding operations. The focus is on creating humanoid robots that not only perform tasks with precision but also alleviate the workload from human workers, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in shipbuilding environments.

The plan is to have prototypes ready for testing by the end of 2026, with commercial deployment set to begin in 2027. During this period, the partners will work collaboratively to equip these humanoids with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and robotic systems specifically designed for high-precision welding. Each partner plays a crucial role in this initiative; Persona AI will spearhead the development of the humanoid hardware, while Vazil Company will focus on crafting the welding tools and setting up the necessary industrial testing conditions. HD KSOE will provide the essential field data needed for effective deployment, and HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute its deep well of welding-path AI training data and performance validation expertise.

Mr. Dong-ju Lee, Senior Vice President at HD KSOE, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "Welding humanoid robots will not only enhance production rates but significantly relieve the pressure placed on human workers, ultimately improving safety on-site. We are aspiring to shift the paradigm in shipbuilding automation by creating smart shipyards where humans and intelligent machines can operate in unison."

Persona AI’s CEO, Nicolaus Radford, highlighted the current challenges faced by heavy industry, stating, "As the labor pool shrinks, particularly in hazardous fields like welding, the urgency for autonomous humanoid solutions becomes increasingly apparent. This collaboration isn’t merely symbolic but represents a critical step forward as we aim to position our humanoid robots in one of the toughest real-world testing environments—shipyards."

Adding to these sentiments, Young-hoon Song, Vice President of HD Hyundai Robotics, noted, "In contrast to traditional robots that merely perform repetitive tasks, our humanoids must exhibit an ability to observe situations, reason, and make informed decisions. Leveraging our extensive background in robotic automated welding, we are committed to developing a revolutionary humanoid welding solution."

Sungwon Kim, CTO at Vazil Company, emphasized the transformative potential of such technology in shipyard operations. He stated, "By advancing humanoid capabilities in precise welding, we're set to elevate shipyard automation to unprecedented heights. We eagerly anticipate our partnership with Persona AI, aiming to facilitate their entry into the Korean market. This collaboration signifies a major breakthrough in global industrial robotics."

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) is globally recognized as a leader in shipbuilding and advanced marine technologies. The integration of humanoid robots into this sector indicates a major technological advancement that not only seeks to enhance operational efficiencies but also aims to reshape the landscape of the shipbuilding industry.

This initiative highlights a growing trend in the industrial sector, focusing on the necessity to adapt to evolving labor challenges by incorporating intelligent robotics. This partnership stands as a testament to the future of shipbuilding, where human innovation meets robotic precision, potentially setting new standards in the industry.