Companies sign on to consider using AI systems in shipbuilding

THis goal is to integrate autonomous robots into key production tasks such as surface preparation, coating, sanding, grinding, blasting, and inspection. The partnership aims to increase shipbuilding throughput, strengthen the maritime industrial base and augment, rather than replace, the existing workforce.

Eric Chewning, HII’s executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, said the company is in an “American shipbuilding renaissance,” emphasizing that the company has a goal of increasing shipbuilding throughput by 14% in 2025 and another 15% in 2026.

They see GrayMatter Robotics’ AI-driven manufacturing systems as a way to further improve efficiency and accelerate ship production for the U.S. Navy, including through HII’s High Yield Production Robotics (HYPR) initiative.

The partnership will focus on several areas, including developing autonomous shipbuilding capabilities, integrating GMR technology with other shipyard systems, expanding employee training for automation, and scaling up production of unmanned systems. The broader objective is to reduce production capacity bottlenecks while maintaining quality standards essential to naval shipbuilding.

Bridging the gap between demand and production capacity is paramount. Right after we make sure we’re delivering the right quality and consistency, eliminating scrap, repairs, and rework.

… Ariyan Kabir, CEO and co-founder of GrayMatter Robotics, commented:

Demonstrations at GMR’s Experience Center showed AI-enabled robots performing highly variable shipyard tasks, highlighting how automation can support skilled workers in complex and manual manufacturing environments.

As a reminder, in a similar effort, HD Hyundai Sanho signed a memorandum of understanding with LG CNS and HD Hyundai Robotics last September to jointly develop AI humanoid robots and logistics automation technology aimed at promoting smart and sustainable shipyard operations.