HII Expands Welding Automation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Through Partnership with HD HHI

HII and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are collaborating on a pilot program to install advanced automated welding equipment at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding facility, as part of their strategic partnership and commitment to shipbuilding technology. This pilot, outlined in a 2025 memorandum of understanding between the two companies, demonstrates HII's dedication to enhancing operations and delivering superior ships to the U.S. Navy.

Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette highlighted the existing advanced automation in the facility, which spans from automated panel lines and material handling to robotic bulkhead fabrication and digital tools. The pilot program further extends this automation to more work processes and personnel, improving safety and efficiency in welding, a critical and challenging aspect of shipbuilding.

The intelligent mechanized welding systems automatically identify workpieces, adjust to changing welding conditions, and gather data for quality control, process improvement, and traceability.

The pilot system complies with U.S. Navy fabrication standards and will be used to pinpoint efficiency enhancements. Dr. Won-ho Joo, CEO of HHI's Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, emphasized the significance of the partnership and the benefits of technical collaboration. The pilot developed from a three-day technical exchange where both companies assessed shipbuilding technologies and automation possibilities at Ingalls.

Other automation and technology projects being considered or implemented at HII's shipyards include robotic applications, additive manufacturing, automated steel processing systems, integrated production control software, and upgrades to automated panel and bulkhead lines. Additionally, HII's High-Yield Production Robotics (HYPR) initiative partners with emerging AI technology firms to introduce AI-driven tools to support the existing shipbuilding workforce.