HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), South Korea’s naval shipbuilder, have launched a pilot program to deploy intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
The pilot deploys intelligent mechanized welding systems in unit‑fabrication areas that currently rely predominantly on manual welding. These systems are designed to make welding, one of the most demanding processes in shipbuilding, safer and more efficient.
The system automatically recognizes workpieces and welding conditions, corrects welding positions in real time and captures process data that can support quality control, process improvement and traceability.
The intelligent mechanized welding pilot grew out of a three‑day technical exchange at Ingalls where the companies evaluated shipbuilding technologies and automation opportunities across their respective shipyards. During the visit, Ingalls showcased its hybrid laser welding process, robotics integration, and facility layout designed to support streamlined construction.
Ingalls has ensured the machines comply with existing US Navy fabrication standards and will use the pilot to identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
“Ingalls operates one of the most advanced automated production lines in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said.
“Investments in technology and automation range from large-scale automated panel lines and material handling, to robotic bulkhead fabrication, to numerous other digital and advanced manufacturing tools. This pilot extends that automation footprint further into the production process, and to a greater share of the workforce. Working with HHI allows us to expand targeted automation functions, and integrate shared best practices as we continue delivering the most capable ships to the U.S. Navy.”
“This pilot program reflects the strengthening of our partnership and the advantages of open technical collaboration,” said Dr. Won‑ho Joo, chief executive of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HHI.
The pilot is the nextl step in advancing US-Korea shipbuilding cooperation, as outlined in a 2025 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two companies, and underscores HII’s commitment to innovate operations as it delivers ships to the US Navy.
Additional automation and technology initiatives being evaluated or implemented across HII’s shipyards include new robotic and collaborative robot (cobot) applications, fabrication cells, additive manufacturing, and automated steel processing systems.
At Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, HII is also upgrading integrated production control software to enable more precise construction processes and provide real-time production insights. The company is continuing to modernize automated panel and bulkhead lines as part of its broader shipyard automation efforts.
Credit: HII
Credit: HII