Hyundai Collaborates with Neura Robotics to Test Humanoid Robot in Shipbuilding

Hyundai is embarking on a significant collaboration with Neura Robotics, a German robotics firm, to trial the humanoid robot 4NE1 within the shipbuilding industry. This partnership aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency by integrating advanced robotic technology into demanding maritime construction environments.

The 4NE1 robot is designed to handle hazardous tasks, particularly welding and assembly work, at Hyundai's shipyards in South Korea. By employing this humanoid robot alongside existing quadrupedal robots, Hyundai seeks to alleviate the risks associated with dangerous work conditions, thus protecting human workers and addressing the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the sector.

The collaboration aims to implement the 4NE1 robot in real-world shipyard settings, allowing for the evaluation of its impact on productivity and safety. The robot is equipped with cognitive capabilities, enabling it to learn adaptively and perform complex tasks, which is essential for the multifaceted demands of shipbuilding.

The operational conditions faced by the 4NE1 are expected to be challenging, given the strict regulations governing ship construction and the demanding nature of the work. Hyundai plans to leverage the combined expertise of Hyundai's robotics division and Neura Robotics to ensure the robot is adequately equipped for these conditions. This includes enhancing the robot's hardware to withstand the rigors of shipbuilding and developing AI-based control systems that facilitate precise autonomous welding.

To enable the effective operation of the robot, new welding equipment that can be operated by robots needs to be designed. Additionally, the creation of AI training data for accurate welding paths is crucial, along with rigorous training for the robots to ensure optimal performance. The partners have set a goal to develop a prototype by the end of 2026, followed by field testing, with the potential for commercial deployment in 2027.

Neura Robotics is not alone in this initiative, as other companies, such as the U.S.-based Persona AI, are also working on delivering humanoid welding robots to South Korea. This effort involves collaborations with major industry players, including Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Robotics.

Interestingly, Hyundai has chosen not to utilize the Atlas robot developed by its subsidiary, Boston Dynamics. Reports suggest that the Atlas robots are not yet sufficiently trained to adapt quickly to the new tasks required in shipbuilding.