HD Hyundai Targets U.S. Shipyards With Welding Robots to Ease Labor Shortages

U.S. shipbuilding industry faces a severe labor shortage, prompting HD Hyundai to leverage robotics. The company's robotics division, HD Hyundai Robotics, will exhibit two mobile welding robots, ArcLift GO and ArcLift SLIDE, at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas from October 21 to 23. These systems, built on collaborative robot platforms, can operate in confined spaces and multiple units can be used concurrently.

HD Hyundai Robotics has secured its first North American order with U.S.-based Chouest Group for ArcLift GO, with deployment planned at three U.S. shipyards, including one in Louisiana. The company will also showcase intelligent automation technologies, including ArcPak, which uses 3D scanning to generate welding paths, and ArcAdapt IQ, which uses AI to monitor weld quality and adjust parameters in real time.

HD Hyundai aims to strengthen partnerships with U.S. industry players, such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, and expand into the humanoid robot market with a prototype of a dual-arm robot for production lines. This robotics push is part of HD Hyundai's Future Advanced Shipyard (FOS) project, which aims for a 30% increase in productivity and a 30% reduction in shipbuilding time by 2030.

HD Hyundai is also considering a potential acquisition of a U.S. shipyard, though no specific deals have been confirmed. Technological maturity remains a key challenge in implementing robotics in shipyards, where safe robot mobility and precise welding are essential. HD Hyundai has invested in AIDIN Robotics to strengthen capabilities in robotic hands for precision work and is expanding automation into polishing and grinding.