HD Hyundai is strengthening its future growth strategy by applying digital technologies across shipbuilding, shipping and robotics. The group is focusing on artificial intelligence, digital twins, big data and robots to improve production efficiency, vessel operations and industrial automation.
A central part of this strategy is the Future of Shipyard (FOS) project, scheduled for completion in 2030. The initiative is designed to enhance productivity and reduce construction timelines by integrating digital systems across shipyard operations.
Following the completion of the first stage, known as a visible shipyard, in 2023, HD Hyundai is advancing the second phase. This stage connects equipment, processes, and operational data to enable prediction and optimization. Once fully implemented, the company expects productivity to increase by 30% and shipbuilding lead times to decrease by 30%.
The group is also collaborating with Nvidia and Siemens to develop a digital twin system based on Blackwell GPU technology at HD Hyundai Samho. Since 2021, it has been working on a next-generation production and design platform that integrates ship design and production data and applies AI for optimization. The platform is targeted for completion by 2028.
In autonomous shipping, Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, signed a supply agreement with HMM in December last year for its HiNAS Control system. The solution will be deployed on 40 vessels operated by HMM. To date, Avikus has supplied autonomous navigation solutions to around 350 vessels, with HiNAS Control applied to more than 100 large retrofitted ships.
HiNAS Control obtained type approval from DNV in April this year. This certification allows the system to be installed without additional verification, as it is approved for general application rather than being limited to a specific vessel or project.
In robotics, HD Hyundai Robotics is advancing AI-based industrial robot technologies. The company is focusing on physical AI systems that enable robots to perceive, decide and act in real time within changing work environments.
It plans to launch a welding automation solution for shipyards by 2026 and expand AI robot applications into machining, assembly, inspection, manufacturing and logistics by 2030.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Persona AI signed an MOU to develop Korea’s first welding humanoid. In addition, HD Hyundai Robotics and HD Hyundai Samho signed an MOU with Neura Robotics to develop and demonstrate a quadruped humanoid robot for shipbuilding worksites.
