HD Hyundai Advances Humanoid Robot Development for Shipyard Welding

Daily Technology

24/03/2026

HD Hyundai is pushing forward with the development of humanoid robots designed for precision tasks in its shipyards. Following a successful prototype evaluation, the company is entering the next phase of its project, aiming to integrate these advanced robots into its manufacturing processes to enhance safety and productivity.

Key Takeaways

HD Hyundai is partnering with HD Hyundai Robotics and U.S.-based Persona AI to develop and commercialize humanoid welding robots.
The project aims to address labor shortages and improve efficiency in shipyards.
The robots will be designed for skilled physical work in complex industrial environments.

Collaboration for Advanced Robotics

HD Hyundai, through its intermediary holding company HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), has joined forces with HD Hyundai Robotics and Persona AI, an industrial humanoid robotics company based in the U.S. This collaboration is focused on developing and commercializing humanoid welding robots specifically for shipyard applications. Persona AI's strategy involves creating a modular humanoid platform capable of delivering skilled labor across various industries, including shipbuilding, energy, construction, and manufacturing. The initial exploration between HD Hyundai and Persona AI began in May 2025.

Prototype Success and Next Steps

The company recently announced the completion of a positive evaluation for a prototype's technical feasibility and its applicability on-site. This milestone has paved the way for a joint development agreement, signed at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in South Korea, marking the commencement of the project's next phase. This agreement solidifies the commitment to advancing the technology.

Roles and Responsibilities in the Project

The new partnership outlines specific roles for each entity. KSOE will be responsible for developing artificial intelligence-based welding training systems, utilizing actual field data to optimize shipbuilding processes. HD Hyundai Robotics will lead the crucial system integration efforts, including comprehensive on-site testing. Meanwhile, Persona AI will focus on developing a bipedal humanoid robot, building upon its existing designs, to ensure stable movement and operation within the demanding shipyard environment.

Future of Smart Shipyards

The primary focus of this initiative is on high-skilled tasks, such as welding, along with other precision applications. HD Hyundai anticipates that shipyard-specific humanoid robots will become an integral component of future smart shipyards. The company expects these robots to significantly increase safety and productivity, while also providing a solution to current labor shortages in the industry.

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