US firm’s humanoid robot to perform welding tasks in South Korea’s shipbuilding

Persona AI, a Houston robotics company, is collaborating with South Korean firms to create humanoid welding robots for shipyards. These robots will perform advanced welding, improving productivity and worker safety. A prototype is expected by late 2026, with field testing and deployment in 2027. This project aims to create smart shipyards with human-robot collaboration, addressing labor shortages and aging workforces in heavy industries, potentially transforming shipbuilding and energy sectors.