HD Hyundai is working on artificial intelligence powered robots designed to carry out shipyard operations autonomously as part of its long term plan to build a fully digitalised “Future Advanced Shipyard” by 2030.
The South Korean shipbuilding company is using Nvidia’s Isaac Sim robot simulation platform to train Physical AI robots that can eventually be deployed in key shipbuilding processes such as welding, painting and plate bending. Company officials said the goal is to gradually introduce these robots on-site, starting with core tasks and expanding their use over time.
Unlike existing collaborative robots that still require human control, the new AI driven systems are being designed to independently perceive their environment and perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. This marks a shift towards fully autonomous industrial robotics in shipbuilding.
The training process is powered by Nvidia’s Isaac Sim and Omniverse digital environment, where robots learn in highly realistic virtual shipyard models before real-world deployment. These simulations replicate physical conditions using advanced physics engines, sensors and camera inputs, enabling precise movement, navigation and task execution.
HD Hyundai stated that early versions of the system are already capable of performing basic welding tasks autonomously, showing progress toward wider industrial use.
The company is the first shipbuilder to adopt the Isaac Sim platform, which is also used by global firms such as Amazon, BMW and Toyota for logistics and manufacturing automation.
This initiative is part of HD Hyundai’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes collaboration with Nvidia and Siemens on a digital twin shipyard project that was highlighted at CES, where Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described it as a strong example of digital twin technology.
Alongside this, HD Hyundai is working with its affiliates and robotics partners on multiple automation projects, including welding humanoid robots with Persona AI and collaborative robot deployments through Rainbow Robotics across its shipyards.
