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HD Hyundai spearheads Korea's first welding humanoid initiative through partnership with global AI and robotics leaders.
- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Robotics sign MOU with Persona AI and Vazil for humanoid development tailored to shipyard welding
- Development and deployment of humanoid robots for precise welding to enhance production efficiency and safety
- Prototype completion targeted for end of 2026, with field testing and commercialization commencing in 2027
HOUSTON and ULSAN, South Korea, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Robotics today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Persona AI, a leader in embodied artificial intelligence, and robotics integration and manufacturing firm Vazil Company. The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony in Houston, Texas, initiates a joint program to create humanoid robots capable of performing complex welding tasks in shipyard environments.
This strategic partnership aims to usher in a new era of human-machine collaboration. The initiative will deliver prototype humanoids by the end of 2026, with field testing and full commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2027.
Under the agreement, the four parties will collaborate to develop humanoids equipped with advanced AI and robotic systems capable of high-precision welding. The goal is to enhance productivity and improve workplace safety in shipyards.
Persona AI will lead the development of humanoid hardware and AI-based control and learning algorithms. Vazil Company will develop the welding tools and build the industrial testing environment. HD KSOE will support deployment in live shipyard settings and provide field engineering data. HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute welding-path AI training data and performance validation.
HD KSOE Senior Vice President Mr. Dong-ju Lee stated, "Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety. By developing robots optimized for shipyard tasks, we aim to set a new paradigm in shipbuilding automation. Our goal is a smart shipyard where humans and intelligent robots collaborate seamlessly."
Persona AI CEO Nicolaus Radford added, "As heavy industry faces growing labor constraints—especially in high-risk trades like welding—the need for rugged, autonomous humanoid robots is more urgent than ever. This partnership with HD Hyundai and Vazil is more than symbolic—deploying to the shipyard is one of the largest real-world proving grounds for Persona's tough, humanoid robots.
HD Hyundai Robotics Vice President Mr. Young-hoon Song stated, " Unlike conventional robots that focus solely on repetitive tasks, these robots must be able to observe, reason, and make decisions. By leveraging HD Hyundai Robotics' extensive experience in robotic automated welding and engineering, we aim to develop an innovative humanoid welding solution."
Vazil Company CTO Sungwon Kim commented, "By developing humanoids capable of precision welding, we will elevate shipyard automation to the next level. We look forward to our manufacturing partnership with Persona AI to help them build and deploy to the Korean markets. This partnership marks a significant milestone in a global industrial robotics collaboration."
About HD Hyundai KSOE
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) is a global leader in shipbuilding and advanced marine engineering. It oversees HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Hyundai Samho. Learn more at hdksoe.co.kr.
About Persona AI
Persona AI develops embodied AI systems capable of working alongside humans in dangerous, high-impact environments. The company brings decades of experience in space- and ocean-grade robotics to real-world labor challenges. Learn more at http://www.personainc.ai
About HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation
HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation is a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing solutions. A subsidiary of HD Hyundai, the company specializes in robotic systems for welding, assembly, and logistics across sectors including shipbuilding, energy, and heavy industry. hd-hyundairobotics.com
About Vazil Company
Vazil develops advanced automation, AI, and robotics solutions for industrial clients in South Korea and globally. Visit vazilcompany.com for more information.
HD Hyundai spearheads Korea's first welding humanoid initiative through partnership with global AI and robotics leaders.
- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Robotics sign MOU with Persona AI and Vazil for humanoid development tailored to shipyard welding
- Development and deployment of humanoid robots for precise welding to enhance production efficiency and safety
- Prototype completion targeted for end of 2026, with field testing and commercialization commencing in 2027
HOUSTON and ULSAN, South Korea, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Robotics today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Persona AI, a leader in embodied artificial intelligence, and robotics integration and manufacturing firm Vazil Company. The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony in Houston, Texas, initiates a joint program to create humanoid robots capable of performing complex welding tasks in shipyard environments.
This strategic partnership aims to usher in a new era of human-machine collaboration. The initiative will deliver prototype humanoids by the end of 2026, with field testing and full commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2027.
Under the agreement, the four parties will collaborate to develop humanoids equipped with advanced AI and robotic systems capable of high-precision welding. The goal is to enhance productivity and improve workplace safety in shipyards.
Persona AI will lead the development of humanoid hardware and AI-based control and learning algorithms. Vazil Company will develop the welding tools and build the industrial testing environment. HD KSOE will support deployment in live shipyard settings and provide field engineering data. HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute welding-path AI training data and performance validation.
HD KSOE Senior Vice President Mr. Dong-ju Lee stated, "Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety. By developing robots optimized for shipyard tasks, we aim to set a new paradigm in shipbuilding automation. Our goal is a smart shipyard where humans and intelligent robots collaborate seamlessly."
Persona AI CEO Nicolaus Radford added, "As heavy industry faces growing labor constraints—especially in high-risk trades like welding—the need for rugged, autonomous humanoid robots is more urgent than ever. This partnership with HD Hyundai and Vazil is more than symbolic—deploying to the shipyard is one of the largest real-world proving grounds for Persona's tough, humanoid robots.
HD Hyundai Robotics Vice President Mr. Young-hoon Song stated, " Unlike conventional robots that focus solely on repetitive tasks, these robots must be able to observe, reason, and make decisions. By leveraging HD Hyundai Robotics' extensive experience in robotic automated welding and engineering, we aim to develop an innovative humanoid welding solution."
Vazil Company CTO Sungwon Kim commented, "By developing humanoids capable of precision welding, we will elevate shipyard automation to the next level. We look forward to our manufacturing partnership with Persona AI to help them build and deploy to the Korean markets. This partnership marks a significant milestone in a global industrial robotics collaboration."
About HD Hyundai KSOE
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) is a global leader in shipbuilding and advanced marine engineering. It oversees HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Hyundai Samho. Learn more at hdksoe.co.kr.
About Persona AI
Persona AI develops embodied AI systems capable of working alongside humans in dangerous, high-impact environments. The company brings decades of experience in space- and ocean-grade robotics to real-world labor challenges. Learn more at http://www.personainc.ai
About HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation
HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation is a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing solutions. A subsidiary of HD Hyundai, the company specializes in robotic systems for welding, assembly, and logistics across sectors including shipbuilding, energy, and heavy industry. hd-hyundairobotics.com
About Vazil Company
Vazil develops advanced automation, AI, and robotics solutions for industrial clients in South Korea and globally. Visit vazilcompany.com for more information.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HD Hyundai and Persona AI Sign Agreement to Deploy Humanoid Welding Robots for Shipbuilding Automation
Paris Saint-Germain Stars Lead New Year TVC Lighting Up Landmark Screens Across 13 Global Cities
BEIJING, Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2025 came to a close, Haier, the world's leading IoT ecosystem brand, brought the spirit of champions to audiences worldwide through its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of the world's most successful football clubs. On December 31, 2025, a New Year television commercial created by PSG star players lit up landmark outdoor screens across 13 major cities in markets including France, Poland, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Japan, delivering more than a festive greeting and reflecting a shared champion mindset rooted in excellence, leadership, and global connection.
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Champion Spirit Inspires Innovation and Global User Experiences
The New Year campaign reflects Haier's own pursuit of excellence. From a pioneering Chinese manufacturer to a truly global ecosystem brand, Haier now serves over 1 billion households across more than 200 countries and regions. In 2024, Haier achieved global operating revenue of USD 55.9 billion and led the global major appliance retail market for 16 consecutive years.
Just as PSG relentlessly pushes the limits of performance, Haier applies the same champion spirit to technology and user experience. "We are thrilled to elevate our sports marketing strategy by partnering with Paris Saint-Germain. Great teams win through precision, teamwork and constant improvement. We build products the same way: designed around people, powered by technology, and proven in daily use." said Haishan Liang, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Haier Group.
This vision is powered by Haier's "three-in-one" localization strategy, which integrates localized research and development, manufacturing, and marketing to create solutions tailored to local lifestyles. This approach, coupled with a global innovation network, ensures Haier's technology meets the diverse needs of users worldwide.
In Japan, Haier's ultra-slim refrigerators are designed for compact urban homes. In Europe, energy-efficient washing machines meet sustainability expectations and regulatory standards. In the U.S., large-capacity washers cater to family-oriented living.
In Thailand, Haier's "UV Cool Voice Series" air conditioners feature AI-powered voice control in both Thai and English, while in the Middle East and Africa, Haier's air-conditioning solutions are engineered to perform reliably and efficiently under demanding climate conditions.
Toward an Ecosystem Future of Infinite Possibilities
Beyond features and functions, Haier continues to expand its ecosystem, building open, vibrant ecosystems in smart living, industrial internet, and health tech, guided by the vision of creating boundless value alongside users and partners.
Through the COSMOPlat industrial internet platform, which supports global manufacturing innovation, and the Yingkang Life eco-platform focused on health and well-being, Haier's influence as an ecosystem brand continues to grow worldwide.
Guided by a strong sense of responsibility, Haier integrates sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into its global operations, supporting long-term, sustainable development in every market it serves.
Moreover, Haier continues to strengthen its emotional connection with users worldwide. The illuminated landmark screens symbolize a shared celebration rooted in common values.
Haier's Global Fans Festival also remains a vital platform for engagement and community building. Following the successful conclusion of the recent event in Malaysia, the festival will continue to connect users through hundreds of localized events worldwide, fostering deeper interaction, shared experiences, and a growing global community.
As 2026 begins, Haier remains committed to delivering champion experiences through technology, innovation, and shared values—walking alongside users worldwide toward new possibilities.
Please visit https://www.haier.com/global/.
About Haier Group
Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions, with the purpose of "More Creation, More Possibilities". Haier has always been user-centered and has built a landscape of three pillars: Smart Living, Comprehensive Health Industry, and Digital Economy Industry. The company has established 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks, and 163 manufacturing centers, achieving a global revenue of USD 55.9 billion in 2024. Haier has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 7 consecutive years. Additionally, Haier has held the No.1 position in Euromonitor Global Major Appliances Brand for 16 consecutive years. Haier has 8 listed companies, with its subsidiary Haier Smart Home named among the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Haier Teams Up with Paris Saint-Germain to Create Champion Experiences for Global Users
Haier Teams Up with Paris Saint-Germain to Create Champion Experiences for Global Users
