{"id":989871,"date":"2026-08-04T22:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T02:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/hii-expands-welding-automation-at-ingalls-shipbuilding-through-partnership-with-hd-hhi\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T22:33:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T02:33:09","slug":"hii-expands-welding-automation-at-ingalls-shipbuilding-through-partnership-with-hd-hhi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/hii-expands-welding-automation-at-ingalls-shipbuilding-through-partnership-with-hd-hhi\/","title":{"rendered":"HII Expands Welding Automation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Through Partnership with HD HHI"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are advancing their strategic partnership with a pilot program to implement additional intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII\u2019s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, expanding Ingalls\u2019 robust existing automation and technology strategy. The pilot is a meaningful step in advancing U.S.-Korea shipbuilding cooperation, as outlined in a 2025\u00a0memorandum of understanding (MOU)<\/a> between the two companies, and underscores HII\u2019s commitment to innovate operations as it delivers ships to the U.S. Navy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIngalls operates one of the most advanced automated production lines in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base,\u201d Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. \u201cInvestments 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Photos accompanying this release are available at: http:\/\/hii.com\/news\/hii-expands-welding-automation-at-ingalls-shipbuilding-through-partnership-with-hd-hhi\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The pilot deploys intelligent mechanized welding systems in unit-fabrication areas that currently rely predominantly on manual welding. These systems are designed to make welding, one of the most demanding processes in shipbuilding, safer and more efficient. The system automatically recognizes workpieces and welding conditions, corrects welding positions in real time and captures process data that can support quality control, process improvement and traceability. Ingalls has ensured the machines comply with existing U.S. Navy fabrication standards and will use the pilot to identify opportunities for improved efficiency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis pilot program reflects the strengthening of our partnership and the advantages of open technical collaboration,\u201d said Dr. Won-ho Joo, chief executive of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HHI. \u201cWe look forward to working with HII to enhance shipbuilding efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The intelligent mechanized welding pilot grew out of a three-day technical exchange at Ingalls<\/a> where the companies evaluated shipbuilding technologies and automation opportunities across their respective shipyards. During the visit, Ingalls showcased its hybrid laser welding process, robotics integration, and facility layout designed to support streamlined construction.<\/p>\n

Additional automation and technology initiatives under evaluation or in implementation at HII\u2019s shipyards, Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, include new robotic and cobot applications including fabrication cells, additive manufacturing, automated steel processing systems, integrated production control software that supports precise construction and real-time production insights, and continuous upgrades to automated panel and bulkhead lines. Additionally, HII\u2019s recently announced High-Yield Production Robotics (HYPR<\/a>) initiative teams the company with emerging physical AI technology companies to implement AI-enabled tools aimed at augmenting the capabilities of the existing shipbuilding workforce.<\/p>\n

\n About HII<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

HII is America\u2019s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world\u2019s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.<\/p>\n

With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI\/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII\u2019s workforce is 45,000 strong. For more information, visit:<\/p>\n