- SHI signed an MOU on the Development and Commercialization of Shipbuilding Robots on the 24th

- SHI aims to accelerating smart shipyard transformation by integrating AI and robotics technologies

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has embarked on developing shipbuilding-specialized robots to secure future competitiveness.

SHI announced on the 24th that it has signed an MOU for the development and commercialization of shipbuilding robots with Rainbow Robotics, Korea’s leading robotics company. The two companies will begin by co-developing an AI-powered welding robot based on collaborative-robot (cobot) platforms and expand their cooperation to include mobile dual-arm robots and quadruped robots.

Under the agreement, SHI will provide its accumulated welding-robot operation data and test environments for validation, while Rainbow Robotics will develop and supply the robot hardware and related technologies.

The companies plan to first develop lightweight robots to enhance field usability, as well as mobile robots capable of maneuvering inside and along the sloped surfaces of curved ship blocks—areas that are typically difficult for manual welding.

To improve productivity and quality, SHI has already developed and deployed more than 90 types of automated equipment and robots for tasks such as block welding and painting, LNG carrier cargo-tank welding, and pipe inspection.

In addition, SHI has completed the establishment of an unmanned operation system at its steel-cutting plant, which entered full 24-hour operation mode in September, marking another milestone in production automation.

The partnership with Rainbow Robotics is expected to enable verification and practical application of robotic platform technologies, the training of automation specialists, and the acquisition of industrial property rights in automation technology — further accelerating SHI’s transition toward a smart shipyard.

“Through our collaboration with Rainbow Robotics, we are confident that Samsung Heavy Industries’ automation capabilities and shipbuilding competitiveness will advance to the next level,” said Jin-mo Kim, Head of Future Business Development (VP). “By integrating AI and robotics, we will broaden application areas and actively pursue commercialization opportunities.”

[Reference Information]

1. Collaborative Robot (Cobot): A robot designed to work alongside humans, lighter and safer than traditional industrial robots, with superior flexibility and adaptability.

2. Dual-Arm Robot: A robot equipped with two arms that can mimic human actions such as painting and grinding, enabling complex, multi-task operations.

3. Quadruped Robot: A four-legged robot capable of agile movement across various environments, including confined areas inside ships.