Humanoid Robots Set to Revolutionise Shipyard Safety and Productivity
A pioneering partnership between the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Persona AI has been announced to accelerate the use of humanoid robots in shipbuilding.
The collaboration aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and digital integration across shipyard operations. The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signals a major step forward for robotics in the maritime industry.
Bringing Humanoid Robots to the Shipyard Floor
At the core of the initiative is the adaptation of Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform, which incorporates elements of NASA’s advanced robotic hand technology. Unlike conventional industrial robots confined to fixed tasks, these humanoids are designed to operate in environments built for people. Their dexterity, mobility, and human-like form make them ideal for shipyards, where confined spaces and ergonomically demanding conditions are commonplace.
Through this partnership, ABS and Persona AI will jointly develop inspection technologies tailored to ship construction. The humanoids will collect critical operational data, supporting classification and compliance activities. This effort marks an important shift from static automation toward adaptable, data-driven systems capable of performing complex shipyard tasks with precision and safety.
Establishing New Industry Standards for Robotic Data
One of the key objectives of the collaboration is to develop new ABS standards for data acquisition and quality in robotic inspections. These standards will guide how data from humanoid robots is collected, validated, and used to support certification and remote survey techniques. They will also influence future robot design, ensuring systems meet the stringent safety and operational benchmarks required in maritime construction.
ABS President and Chief Operating Officer John McDonald commented: “ABS is proud to lead the way in advancing the safe integration of emerging technologies into the maritime industry. This collaboration with Persona AI reflects our commitment to innovation and safety, as we work to establish the standards and protocols that will enable humanoid robots to perform complex tasks reliably and securely in shipyard environments. By combining cutting-edge robotics with ABS’s deep expertise in certification and safety, we’re helping shape a smarter, safer future for shipbuilding.”
Transforming the Future of Shipbuilding
For Persona AI, the partnership with ABS validates the readiness of humanoid robotics to tackle industrial-scale applications. The company’s CEO and Co-Founder Nic Radford emphasised the significance of this moment: “This marks a defining moment for the shipbuilding industry. Partnering with ABS, the global authority on maritime standards, demonstrates that humanoid robotics are no longer a distant concept but on a path toward certified reality, set to transform how this industry builds, innovates, and competes.”
Humanoid robots could soon play a central role in shipyard operations, from inspecting welds and checking corrosion to accessing hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. By mimicking human flexibility and adapting to varying conditions, they provide an agile, scalable solution to the challenges of modern shipbuilding. As the industry faces ongoing labour shortages and safety concerns, humanoid robots may bridge the gap between automation and the skilled workforce.
ABS Leading Digital Maritime Transformation
ABS has a long-standing reputation as a global authority in maritime classification and safety. With over 160 years of service, the organisation continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies. Its work in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and remote inspection has made it a central player in maritime transformation.
Today, ABS provides technical advisory services and safety standards for the complete life cycle of marine and offshore assets. Its global network of surveyors, engineers, and technologists supports shipowners, operators, and designers in achieving operational efficiency while maintaining high safety standards. The partnership with Persona AI is an extension of this vision, aligning with ABS’s commitment to creating a cleaner, safer maritime industry.
Persona AI’s Robotics Expertise
Persona AI, based in Houston, Texas, is a rapidly emerging force in intelligent humanoid robotics. Founded in 2024, the company builds on decades of innovation in robotic systems for extreme environments, including deep-ocean and space missions. Its leadership team, drawn from experienced engineers and AI specialists, focuses on developing robust humanoid robots capable of handling real-world industrial challenges.
The company’s humanoid platform leverages advanced machine learning, sensor fusion, and human-like actuation to perform tasks traditionally requiring manual labour. By integrating safety monitoring, predictive analytics, and self-correction capabilities, Persona AI’s systems are designed for precision and reliability. Their development philosophy blends human-like adaptability with machine-level endurance, a combination poised to reshape heavy industry.
Humanoid Robotics and the Future of Industrial Work
The maritime sector is among the most complex industrial environments, where automation faces unique challenges. While fixed robotic systems are widely used in manufacturing, the variability of shipyard work demands more flexible solutions.
Humanoid robots offer a compelling answer. They can navigate uneven surfaces, climb ladders, and manipulate tools designed for human use, all while collecting rich streams of operational data.
Experts predict that humanoid robotics will play a vital role in addressing the maritime sector’s long-term challenges, including:
- Workforce shortages: Replacing or supporting human workers in hazardous or repetitive tasks.
- Safety improvement: Reducing accident risks in confined or dangerous spaces.
- Data-driven operations: Enhancing the accuracy and consistency of inspection data.
- Sustainability goals: Improving resource efficiency and minimising waste through precise operations.
By aligning robotics with certification frameworks like those being developed by ABS, the industry ensures these systems are not just innovative but also compliant and safe.
A Safer, Smarter Era for Shipbuilding
The collaboration between ABS and Persona AI reflects a wider shift in industrial robotics, from automation that replaces labour to systems that augment human capability. In shipyards where precision, safety, and adaptability are paramount, humanoid robots represent a logical next step. They embody the convergence of artificial intelligence, engineering design, and maritime expertise.
Through initiatives like this, the maritime industry is poised to redefine its future. By blending digital intelligence with mechanical resilience, shipbuilders can look forward to a new era, one where safety is embedded in every weld, inspection, and design, and where humanoid robots become trusted partners in building the vessels of tomorrow.
