HD KSOE, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean recorded operating rates of 100% or more in H1 2026 while increasing investment in automation and shipyard facilities.
Saronic has selected Samsung Heavy Industries as production-technology partner for its planned $3.3 billion autonomous vessel shipyard in Brownsville, Texas.
Japan and the United States have launched joint R&D on AI shipbuilding robotics and a simulation platform, while discussing demonstration methods for shipyards in both countries.
Hanwha Ocean will test humanoid robots with AeiROBOT and NdotLight at its Geoje shipyard to assess Physical AI for risky and repetitive shipbuilding tasks.
Researchers are developing AI-powered robots to scan ships during construction, compare work against digital twins and help shipyards detect build errors earlier.
HD Hyundai Robotics will supply ArcLift GO robotic welding systems to Chouest Group shipyards in North America and Brazil.
HII and GrayMatter Robotics are testing how AI and robotic systems can support labor-intensive shipyard work, with demonstrations and pilot programs planned over the next year.
HD Hyundai Samho launched a humanoid PoC to assess ROI, power needs and payload for basic welding and simple transport tasks, working with HD Hyundai Robotics and LG CNS.
