HD Hyundai Robotics secures first US shipyard automation contract
Robotic welders in action at Hyundai Construction Equipment’s Ulsan plant (Source: Hyundai Youtube channel)
HD Hyundai Robotics has won its first robotic welding system order for the US shipbuilding sector under an agreement to supply ArcLift GO units to several shipyards operated by Chouest Group.
The systems will be installed at three Chouest Group yards in North America, including facilities in Louisiana, along with one shipyard in Brazil. HD Hyundai Robotics said the contract marked an important step in expanding its presence in overseas shipbuilding markets as demand for automation grows.
US shipbuilders are increasingly investing in robotic welding technology as yards face persistent shortages of skilled welders and mounting pressure to improve productivity. Industry executives have described labour shortages as a long-term structural issue affecting shipbuilding output and delivery schedules.
According to HD Hyundai Robotics, the ArcLift GO system is designed as a plug-and-play robotic welding platform capable of maintaining consistent weld quality while reducing dependence on highly skilled labour. The company said the software enables workers with limited robotics experience to operate several units simultaneously and adapt the systems to different vessel designs and production environments.
The agreement also comes amid broader efforts in the US to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and supply chain resilience, with proposed legislation such as the Robot Security Act expected to support further investment in manufacturing and shipyard automation technologies.
