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Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction. In a few months, they will be visible globally working on shipyards as major U.S. AI companies push hard to make that a reality.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Houston-based Persona AI to deploy industrial-grade humanoids for shipbuilding, inspection, and maintenance tasks, marking a leap toward a modernized maritime industry.
Unlike traditional factory robots, humanoids can navigate human-engineered spaces, climb ladders, access tight corners, and work where rigid machinery cannot. This flexibility makes them ideal for shipyards designed around human workflows.
AI Robots Transforming Shipbuilding
ABS and Persona AI will collaborate on engineering efforts and collect real-world operational data to establish classification standards. These will guide the certification of humanoid robots for complex maritime environments, ensuring both safety and compliance.
“ABS is proud to lead the way in advancing the safe integration of emerging technologies into the maritime industry,” said John McDonald, ABS president and chief operating officer. “This collaboration with Persona AI reflects our commitment to innovation and safety, as we work to establish the standards and protocols that will enable humanoid robots to perform complex tasks reliably and securely in shipyard environments. By combining cutting-edge robotics with ABS’s deep expertise in certification and safety, we’re helping shape a smarter, safer future for shipbuilding.”
Persona AI CEO Nic Radford added that humanoid robots are moving from concept to certified deployment, rapidly becoming operationally viable.
Humanoid Robots Are Ideal, According to AI Companies
Persona AI’s robots use NASA-derived hand technology and are designed for dynamic, unstructured environments. They are not intended to replace human workers but to handle hazardous, repetitive, or labor-intensive tasks, improving workplace safety and productivity. Work like that is especially relevant in shipyards, where attrition rates often exceed 20 percent and skilled labor is difficult to retain.
Global Race for Robotic Shipyards
Similar efforts are underway in Asia: HD Korea Shipbuilding, HD Hyundai Robotics, and Vazil are developing welding-capable humanoids, targeting prototypes by 2026 and real deployment by 2027. Neura Robotics is also trialing its 4NE1 humanoid at Hyundai shipyards to enhance precision welding.
The Roadblocks
Despite excitement, mass adoption faces challenges as analyses predict the humanoid market will only reach 40,000 units by 2032. It is due to cost, durability, and other regulatory hurdles. Competitors argue that modular or specialized robots may outperform humanoids for certain tasks.
