HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Robotics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Persona AI and Vazil Company to jointly develop humanoid robots for welding tasks in shipyard environments.
The agreement aims to create AI-enabled humanoid robots capable of high-precision welding to improve productivity and safety. A prototype is expected by the end of 2026, with field testing and commercial deployment planned from 2027.
Under the partnership, Persona AI will lead hardware development and control algorithms, while Vazil will build welding tools and test environments. HD KSOE will support deployment in operational shipyards and provide field data, and HD Hyundai Robotics will supply welding-path AI training data and performance validation.
“Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety,” said HD KSOE Senior Vice President Lee Dong Ju.
“By developing robots optimised 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.”
