Quadruped and humanoid robots will be tested under real-world conditions. Neura Robotics
A partnership will result in Korean firms HD Hyundai Robotics and HD Hyundai Samho testing advanced robots in shipbuilding, marking a major step in automating one of the world’s toughest industries.
Interestingly, the trial will use robots from Germany’s Neura Robotics, not Hyundai’s. Despite owning Boston Dynamics and a leading automation arm, Hyundai is turning to external innovation for this initiative.
The firms have already trailed Neura’s humanoid robots for welding and assembly tasks at Hyundai shipbuilding yards in Korea.
“The goal of this strategic partnership is clear: together, we will develop and test specialized quadruped and humanoid robots under real-world conditions. Our shared vision is to make shipbuilding more efficient, safer, and more productive,” said Neura Robotics, in a LinkedIn post.
In May 2025, Houston’s Persona AI announced it would supply humanoid welding robots to South Korea, partnering with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Robotics, and Vazil for shipyard automation.
Robots enter shipbuilding
Neura, a company focused on cognitive robotics, is bringing its advanced humanoid platform, 4NE1, to a new partnership to advance shipbuilding through automation. The collaboration, formed with HD Hyundai Samho and HD Hyundai Robotics, focuses on integrating intelligent robots into real-world shipyard environments to improve operational efficiency, safety, and productivity.
According to Marine Insight, the 4NE1 robot is designed to support complex tasks through cognitive capabilities and adaptive learning. HD Hyundai Samho will provide hands-on testing environments at its shipbuilding facilities as part of this initiative.
Leveraging its experience in deploying automation systems on shipyard floors, the company will assess humanoid robots’ practicality, reliability, and performance under demanding industrial conditions.
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Robotics will deliver technical expertise in welding automation. According to The Robot Report, the company will contribute path-learning data, oversee performance validation, and support system integration, ensuring that the robotic solutions meet the rigorous requirements of shipbuilding operations.
The partnership was formally announced at the Automatica trade fair in Munich this June. The joint effort signals a growing interest in applying robotics to heavy industries, aiming to reduce manual labor, enhance safety protocols, and streamline complex manufacturing processes within global shipyards.
“By combining the expertise of all three partners, quadruped and humanoid robots will be tested under real-world conditions, with a focus on validating their potential to increase efficiency, safety, and productivity. This topic is gaining momentum, particularly against the backdrop of a growing shortage of skilled labor in the industry,” said Neura Robotics, in a statement.
Smart shipyard vision
US robotics player Persona AI is also collaborating with leading South Korean firms to develop humanoid robots for shipbuilding tasks, aiming to enhance productivity, reduce worker fatigue, and improve safety in industrial environments.
The partnership has unveiled plans to deploy humanoid welding robots in shipyards by 2027, aiming to further shipyard automation.
The robots are being designed to operate in the harsh and complex conditions of shipbuilding yards, performing advanced welding tasks that are traditionally labor-intensive and high-risk.
The development will focus on creating rugged hardware and AI-based control systems capable of precise, autonomous welding.
Under the partnership, each company will play a key role. The robotics firm will lead the development of humanoid hardware and intelligent control systems. Vazil will design specialized welding equipment and build an industrial test site.
HD KSOE will handle live deployment and field engineering support, while HD Hyundai Robotics will provide AI training data for welding paths and validate robot performance.
A prototype is expected by the end of 2026, with full field testing and commercial deployment the following year.
The project represents a major step toward building smart shipyards where robots and human workers collaborate seamlessly.
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