Hyundai and Persona AI To Develop Humanoid Welding Robots
HD Hyundai has announced a strategic collaboration with several AI and robotics startups to develop humanoid robots designed for welding tasks in shipyards.
This initiative aims to address labor shortages and enhance safety in hazardous industrial environments.
Key points
Collaboration Partners:
The partnership brings together Houston-based Persona AI, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Robotics, and South Korea’s Vazil Co.
Roles and Responsibilities: Persona AI — founded by former NASA humanoid robotics engineers — will lead the development of the robot’s hardware and AI control systems.
Vazil Co. will focus on creating specialized welding tools and setting up industrial testing environments.
Timeline:
Prototypes are expected by the end of 2026, with real-world deployment in shipyards planned for 2027.
Technology and Vision:
Persona AI is building on NASA’s advanced robotics legacy and aims to deliver practical AI solutions to meet real-world labor challenges.
The humanoid robots will be built to withstand harsh shipyard conditions and are intended to work alongside human laborers, enhancing productivity and safety.
Goal:
The project is part of Hyundai’s broader vision to create “smart shipyards” — automated environments where robots and humans collaborate seamlessly.
This initiative represents a significant move toward modernizing shipbuilding through robotics and automation, positioning Hyundai at the forefront of industrial innovation.
Background
Before embarking on the development of humanoid welding robots, HD Hyundai made significant strides in industrial automation.
In 2024, the company announced plans to deploy tens of thousands of advanced robots, including Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots, across its manufacturing facilities.
This initiative aimed to enhance efficiency and safety in production lines, particularly in automotive assembly.
The integration of these robots marked a substantial move towards smart factory operations, leveraging AI and robotics to optimize workflows and reduce human labor in repetitive or hazardous tasks.
This groundwork set the stage for HD Hyundai’s subsequent venture into developing humanoid robots specifically designed for complex welding tasks in shipyards.
News Gist
HD Hyundai has partnered with Persona AI, Vazil, and other firms to develop humanoid robots for shipyard welding.
Drawing on NASA robotics, the robots aim to boost safety and productivity in harsh conditions. Prototypes are due by 2026, supporting Hyundai’s vision for fully automated, smart shipyards by 2027.