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

HD Hyundai is addressing the U.S. shipbuilding industry's labor shortages through the deployment of welding robots. The company's robotics arm, HD Hyundai Robotics, will showcase ArcLift GO and ArcLift SLIDE robots at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas from October 21-23. These mobile, collaborative robots are designed to work in the tight spaces typical of shipyards, with multiple units able to operate simultaneously.

HD Hyundai has already validated these systems at affiliated shipyards and plans to demonstrate live demonstrations at FABTECH. Additionally, the company will present intelligent automation technologies like ArcPak and ArcAdapt IQ, which use 3D scanning and AI to improve welding quality. HD Hyundai has secured its first North American order, a supply agreement with U.S.-based Chouest Group for ArcLift GO, which will be deployed at three U.S. shipyards and one in Brazil.

The company's broader strategy includes strengthening technology partnerships with U.S. industry players such as Huntington Ingalls Industries. HD Hyundai is also expanding into humanoid robots, unveiling a prototype at the Future Innovation Technology Expo 2026. This push for robotics is part of HD Hyundai's Future Advanced Shipyard project, aiming to increase productivity and reduce shipbuilding time by 30% by 2030.

The company is exploring a potential U.S. shipyard acquisition but must verify regulatory requirements before making any claims. HD Hyundai is investing in robotic sensing technology and expanding automation into polishing and grinding to overcome technical limitations and broaden the range of shipyard tasks that robots can perform.