American shipbuilder HII has signed a memorandum of understanding with Path Robotics to explore the integration of artificial intelligence-driven welding technology into its shipbuilding operations.
The agreement is intended to examine how Path Robotics’ “physical AI” systems could be used in both manned and unmanned ship construction, with HII stating the partnership could improve throughput and support the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.
The memorandum of understanding was signed at Path Robotics’ headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, with the ceremony attended by HII executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy Eric Chewning and Path Robotics CEO and co-founder Andy Lonsberry. Chewning said the company was seeking to expand production gains achieved in recent years.
“We are excited to partner with Path Robotics to incorporate their state-of-the-art physical AI models to further augment our workforce and speed up U.S. Navy manned and unmanned shipbuilding production,” he said. Chewning added: “Our shipbuilding throughput was up 14% in 2025 and we are looking for an additional 15% increase in 2026. By working with new partners like Path Robotics, we can further accelerate shipbuilding production.”
He said the companies aimed to develop an autonomous welding solution capable of meeting naval standards. “I look forward to jointly developing an autonomous AI-based welding solution that can help us meet Navy standards and be scaled in our shipyard facilities,” Chewning said. “Navigating this transformational partnership has the potential to increase our throughput efficiency without sacrificing quality.”
According to HII, the two firms will explore future opportunities across three areas, including autonomous shipbuilding capability development, workforce training to support automation, and establishing an intellectual property framework for AI-based welding systems. The companies also plan to pursue research and development aimed at integrating Path Robotics’ AI models with other shipbuilding technologies used by HII, including its ROMULUS line of unmanned surface vessels.
Path Robotics CEO Andy Lonsberry said the partnership reflected growing attention on manufacturing challenges within the defence sector. “Partnering with the nation’s largest military shipbuilder during such a critical time for national defence and manufacturing underscores the importance of what we’re building at Path,” he said.
Lonsberry added: “Welding is one of the hardest processes to automate in any industry, and shipbuilding is no exception. Path’s physical AI is purpose-built for that challenge – seeing, understanding, and adapting to real world conditions in real time.” He said: “We’re honoured to work alongside HII to help modernise defence manufacturing and strengthen the naval industrial base for decades to come.”
HII said demonstrations were conducted at Path Robotics’ facility ahead of the signing ceremony, showcasing robotic welding systems and their potential application to naval fabrication work. The company stated the technology could adapt to complex shipyard conditions, including fit variations, complex joint types, and different materials.
HII stated that while it currently employs automated welding systems, these require human collaboration and rely on pre-programmed paths. The company said AI-driven autonomous welding could provide an opportunity to expand capacity and help meet growing U.S. Navy demand.
