Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the nation's largest shipbuilder, is teaming up with GrayMatter Robotics to deploy physical AI systems in its shipyards. The partnership, announced Monday, aims to integrate autonomous robotic technologies into shipbuilding processes to accelerate production timelines and reduce the physical burden on workers.
Focus on Labor-Intensive Tasks
The collaboration will explore AI applications in tasks such as sanding, grinding, coating, and inspecting metal structures, which are critical for building both crewed and uncrewed Navy vessels. 'These are physically brutal tasks that require incredible precision, and we don't have enough skilled people anymore in the US who are capable of doing these jobs,' said Ariyan Kabir, CEO and co-founder of GrayMatter Robotics.
'Together we will integrate physical AI into manned and unmanned shipbuilding and further accelerate the industrial revitalization already underway,' Eric Chewning, HII's executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, said.
Boosting Production Amid Workforce Challenges
The push for automation comes as the shipbuilding industry faces a shortage of skilled labor and increasing demand for Navy vessels. HII and GrayMatter Robotics will pilot the technology over the next year, testing its effectiveness in shipyard environments and scaling it for broader production.
GrayMatter Robotics, a California-based company with experience in defense, aerospace, and manufacturing, has previously worked with the Navy but this marks its first collaboration with HII. Beyond AI and automation, HII is also expanding its supply chain, partnering with smaller shipyards, and increasing wages to attract workers from vocational and apprenticeship programs.