What's Happening?
Houston-based class society ABS has announced a partnership with robotics company Persona AI to develop humanoid robots for shipyard applications. This collaboration aims to utilize robotic systems to perform tasks traditionally requiring human workers, thereby freeing up personnel for other jobs. The initiative will focus on using robotically-collected data for classification during ship construction, enabling remote survey techniques. This marks a significant step in the shipbuilding industry, as humanoid robots are gaining traction, particularly in Korea, where automation is integral to business models. HD Hyundai Samho is also working with Neura's 4NE1, a German-made humanoid robot, to address labor shortages in industrial environments.
Why It's Important?
The development of humanoid robots for shipyard tasks represents a significant advancement in automation within the maritime industry. By leveraging robotic systems, shipyards can potentially reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, addressing the challenge of skilled worker shortages. This move could set new standards for data collection and classification in shipbuilding, influencing global maritime practices. The collaboration between ABS and Persona AI highlights the growing importance of robotics in industrial applications, potentially leading to broader adoption across various sectors.
What's Next?
ABS plans to conduct trials to develop new class standards for the type and quality of data collected by robots. The first prototypes of humanoid welding robots, developed in partnership with Vazil Company and Persona AI, are expected by the end of 2026, with field testing and commercial deployment planned for 2027. These developments could pave the way for more widespread use of humanoid robots in shipyards and other industrial environments.
