Recently, South Korea’s leading collaborative robot company, Neuromeka, completed and officially launched an AI-based collaborative robot welding training center for the shipbuilding industry at HD Hyundai Samho.
This center is part of the “AI Robot Field Demonstration Training Center Construction” project, a key component of the “Root Industry Specialized Zone Support Program” overseen by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). Neuromeka was selected as the project contractor with the highest score in the proposal evaluation last December and subsequently signed a contract worth 640 million KRW (approximately $470,000 or 3.37 million RMB).
The newly built training center serves as core infrastructure supporting HD Hyundai Samho’s “AI-based Smart Shipyard” strategy, aiming to cultivate practical talent focused on welding automation technology using collaborative robots. Neuromeka has configured its flagship collaborative robots, the “Indy” and “OPTi” series, along with customized welding systems and various training equipment, to closely resemble real-world field operations, maximizing training effectiveness.
Notably, the center moves beyond theoretical knowledge by simulating actual shipyard working conditions to develop hands-on skills. Additionally, the introduction of an intuitive Vive-based operating system allows even non-specialists to easily control collaborative robots, significantly improving on-site applicability and the potential for widespread technology adoption.
Through this project, Neuromeka plans to showcase its professional collaborative robot solutions for welding automation training and further expand the application scope of robotic automation technology. Moving forward, the company will leverage its years of accumulated robotics expertise and field experience to strengthen its competitiveness in domestic and international markets while continuing to drive technological innovation in smart manufacturing.
Neuromeka CEO Park Jong-hoon stated, “The establishment of this training center goes beyond simply providing equipment—it sets a new standard for customized technical training in shipbuilding. It lays the foundation for cultivating talent capable of mastering the core technologies required for AI-based smart manufacturing and digital transformation, making it highly significant.”
In recent years, HD Hyundai Samho and Neuromeka have deepened their collaboration. In June 2024, Neuromeka signed a contract with HD Hyundai Robotics (a subsidiary of HD Hyundai Group) to supply 12 “OPTi” series collaborative robots (cobots) specialized for ship block welding at HD Hyundai Samho. This marks the first introduction of cobots for flat block seam welding in South Korea’s shipbuilding industry and represents the latest achievement in Neuromeka’s development of various welding robot solutions.
In January of this year, HD Hyundai Samho was selected as the lead company for the national project “Development of AI Autonomous Manufacturing Systems for High-Difficulty Ship Block Production Processes,” promoted by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, with Neuromeka chosen as the joint R&D partner. The two parties will collaborate closely to develop the world’s most advanced lightweight collaborative robot with a total weight under 10 kg. This partnership will extend for approximately three years, allowing them to maintain a strong alliance, drive innovation in South Korea’s shipbuilding industry, and enhance global competitiveness.
It is reported that curved ship sections (composed of bow and stern curved plates with corresponding frames) feature curved outer plates and edges. Welding, a core process determining shipbuilding quality, remains highly challenging—especially curved welding, which has yet to achieve robotic automation. Recognizing this, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy designated it as a national project to further strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s shipbuilding industry.
The R&D period for this project runs from October 2024 to December 2027, with key objectives including:
– A five-axis lightweight collaborative robot for welding in large curved ship assembly processes
– A quadrupedal autonomous mobile robot
– An Android-standard integrated remote control teach pendant
– An AI process optimization system
The AI process optimization system is an innovative solution that uses AI-based VISION technology to set optimal ship assembly conditions, detect defects, and predict welding quality.
Neuromeka aims to develop a world-leading lightweight collaborative robot model under 10 kg through this project, featuring enhanced portability, superior welding capabilities, and strong field applicability. This model, developed at HD Hyundai Samho’s request, will be approximately 2 kg lighter than existing robots.
HD Hyundai Samho stated that introducing trackless lightweight cobots with AI VISION technology will improve production efficiency and safety while addressing labor shortages in skilled welding. Additionally, the company plans to establish a comprehensive cobot management system using digital twin technology.
Neuromeka intends to expand its market share in domestic and international welding cobot applications through this development. Reports indicate that in terms of HD Hyundai Samho’s cobot supply, Neuromeka has already surpassed competitors like Universal Robots and Rainbow Robotics in revenue, securing the top sales position in South Korea’s domestic cobot market in 2024.
