The initiative advances a strategic partnership established through a 2025 memorandum of understanding. It also expands U.S.-South Korean cooperation in naval shipbuilding technology and production.
The equipment will support unit fabrication at the Ingalls shipyard. HII said the systems are designed to make welding safer and more efficient.
The machines automatically identify workpieces and assess welding conditions. They can correct welding positions in real time and collect production data.
That data can support quality control, process improvement and production traceability. Ingalls confirmed that the equipment meets existing U.S. Navy fabrication standards.
“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.”
Ingalls already uses automated panel lines and material-handling equipment. The shipyard also operates robotic bulkhead fabrication and other digital manufacturing tools.
The welding pilot followed a three-day technical exchange at Ingalls. Teams from both companies assessed shipbuilding technologies and automation opportunities at their respective yards.
Ingalls demonstrated its hybrid laser welding process during the visit. It also presented its robotics integration and facility layout for streamlined construction.
“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. “We look forward to working with HII to enhance shipbuilding efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.”
HII is evaluating or deploying further automation at Ingalls and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The projects include robotic fabrication cells, collaborative robots, additive manufacturing and automated steel processing.
The company is also upgrading automated panel and bulkhead production lines. Integrated production software will support precise construction and provide real-time manufacturing data.
HII’s wider modernization effort includes its High-Yield Production Robotics initiative. The program partners HII with physical artificial intelligence companies to develop AI-enabled tools for the existing shipbuilding workforce.
