The shipbuilding sector in South Korea is about to undergo a transformation with the signing of the recent agreement between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Robotics, Persona AI and Vazil Company. The alliance aims to develop humanoid robots capable of performing welding tasks in extreme industrial conditions.
The memorandum of understanding was formalized in Houston and represents a multinational effort to address the chronic problem of skilled labor shortages in high-risk tasks. The first prototypes will be ready by the end of 2026 and operational deployment is expected in 2027.
Welding robots for critical environments
U.S.-based Persona AI will lead the design of robotic hardware and artificial intelligence control algorithms. artificial intelligence. Its robots, inspired by space technology and designed to adapt to demanding industrial jobs, will feature highly dexterous robotic hands derived from NASA technology.
HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute path data and validation of automated welding automated welding while HD KSOE will provide field data and direct application in the shipyards. Vazil will provide the welding tools and test infrastructure.
With turnover rates above 30% in critical trades and difficulties in staff retention, Korean shipyards represent the ideal scenario for testing this new generation of humanoid robots. The shared goal is to establish an intelligent shipyard model in which human-robot collaboration is seamless and safe.
The robots will perform tasks such as welding in confined spaces and hull structures and will be progressively integrated into existing workflows. This technology is expected to increase operational efficiency and significantly reduce occupational hazards.
Modular and scalable automation
The Persona AI robotic platform is designed to be modular, allowing different “personas” to be adapted to specific tasks such as welding, assembly or inspection. This approach facilitates its application in various industrial sectors such as energy, heavy construction and manufacturing.
The collaboration between these four companies is not only intended for the short term. With automation as a strategic axis, they seek to position themselves at the forefront of industrial robotization on a global scale.
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Source and photos: Person AI
