A Houston-based robotics company is set to deliver a humanoid robotic worker to South Korea for shipbuilding tasks in the coming years.
Persona AI has partnered with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Robotics, and manufacturing firm Vazil to develop humanoid robots capable of performing advanced welding tasks in shipyards.
The humanoid welding robots are expected to boost productivity while lowering physical strain and safety risks for workers. The prototype is set to be completed by the end of 2026, with field testing and full commercial use planned for 2027.
“As heavy industry faces growing labor constraints—especially in high-risk trades like welding—the need for rugged, autonomous humanoid robots is more urgent than ever. This partnership with HD Hyundai and Vazil is more than symbolic—deploying to the shipyard is one of the largest real-world proving grounds for Persona’s tough, humanoid robots,” said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI, in a statement.
Smart shipyard shift
The project aims to advance shipbuilding by introducing intelligent robots that boost productivity, reduce the physical burden on workers, and enhance safety. These humanoid robots, which are designed for harsh shipbuilding conditions, are anticipated to raise the bar for automation by facilitating seamless interaction between AI-powered devices and human laborers.
Each partner will contribute significantly to the project’s realization under the terms of the agreement. The development of humanoid robots, including the creation of hardware and AI-based control systems that can weld with high precision, will be spearheaded by Persona AI. Vazil Company will concentrate on developing specialized welding equipment and constructing an industrial testing facility to guarantee preparedness for the real world.
HD KSOE will oversee live deployment in shipyards and provide critical field engineering data. HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute by supplying welding-path AI training data and validating the robots’ performance.
The prototype is expected by the end of 2026, with field testing and commercial deployment planned for 2027. This partnership marks a major step toward creating smart shipyards where humans and robots work side by side.
“Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety. By developing robots optimized 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,” said Mr. Dong-ju Lee, senior vice-president at HD KSOE, in a statement.
Industrial workforce reinvented
Persona AI aims to redefine skilled labor with humanoid robots built for tough, high-intensity industrial jobs. Designed to handle the “3D” tasks — dull, dirty, and dangerous — these robots take on work in environments like shipyards, construction sites, and energy infrastructure, easing the physical burden on human workers.
The Persona AI website claims that it is based on a legacy that includes NASA‘s cutting-edge robotics technology and emphasizes using innovative practicality to address labor difficulties in the real world.
Its essential component is a modular humanoid platform with a highly skilled robotic hand based on NASA intellectual property. This allows the robot to perform intricate, skilled tasks in dynamic, unstructured environments. Through interchangeable “Personas,” the system provides versatility across industries and adjusts to various work types. Launching the first humanoid labor platform designed for heavy industries is one of the short-term objectives.
Persona AI’s robots are capable of doing confined-space work, hull welding, and repairs in the shipbuilding industry, where attrition in vital trades can surpass 30 percent. The platform supports pipe welding, equipment inspection, and maintenance in the energy sector, where an aging workforce and automation are reshaping operations.
The firm claims that with round-the-clock productivity and reduced rework, Persona AI delivers scalable, dependable labor where needed most, transforming the future of industrial work.