HII has launched a new collaboration with GrayMatter Robotics to examine how artificial intelligence and robotic systems can be used in shipbuilding, particularly for some of the most labor-intensive work on the production floor.

The companies plan to focus on four areas: autonomous shipbuilding capability, integration of GrayMatter Robotics technology into yard operations, workforce training, and increased production of uncrewed systems. Over the next year, they expect to run demonstrations and pilot programs to test how the systems perform in a shipyard setting and to assess how the technology could later be expanded for production use.

HII said the effort is aimed at applying physical AI to shipbuilding processes. The work will study whether robotic systems can support tasks such as sanding, grinding, coating, blasting, inspection, and finishing metal structures used in the construction of crewed and uncrewed vessels.

An executive at HII said the company has already applied conventional automation extensively in naval ship construction, but those systems have largely remained limited to repeatable activities. The new collaboration is intended to evaluate whether physical AI can extend automation into more complex yard work by combining AI with machines that operate directly in the production environment.

GrayMatter Robotics said these tasks are physically demanding, require high precision, and are becoming harder to staff with enough skilled workers in the United States. The company added that the coming year will center on demonstrations, testing in shipyard conditions, and a review of future production scaling.

The move also aligns with a broader push in shipbuilding to raise output, address labor shortages, and improve production timelines through automation and related industrial measures. In addition to automation, HII is also pursuing supply chain expansion, partnerships with smaller yards and manufacturing facilities, and higher wages to support recruitment.