Persona AI raises $27M to develop humanoid robots for shipyards

Shipyards, long dominated by heavy machinery and human labor, may soon see a new kind of worker: humanoid robots. Houston-based startup Persona AI has raised $27 million to develop robots that combine industrial precision with human-like dexterity for tasks in demanding environments like shipbuilding.

Founded by robotics veterans with NASA and Figure AI experience, Persona AI aims to address labor shortages and enhance workplace safety. The company has already inked a deal with HD Hyundai to deploy humanoids in shipyards within 18 months.

"We're deeply grateful to our investors, not just for capital, but for their conviction in a bold vision," said CEO Nic Radford.

While other companies are developing humanoids for logistics or automotive manufacturing, Persona AI's focus on shipyards sets it apart. As the race for commercial humanoid deployments heats up, analysts predict a potential $3 trillion market in the U.S. alone, though some expect slower growth initially.