HII Partners with Path Robotics to Revolutionize Shipbuilding
HII (NYSE: HII) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Path Robotics, a Columbus, Ohio-based company, to explore the integration of advanced physical AI technology for welding into its shipbuilding operations. This partnership aims to enhance production efficiency, bolster the maritime industrial base, and support the shipbuilding workforce. The collaboration comes at a crucial time as the U.S. Navy’s demand for both manned and unmanned vessels continues to rise.
Transforming Shipbuilding with AI Technology
Path Robotics’ innovative physical AI model, known as Obsidian, along with its proprietary sensing and vision system, is set to transform traditional welding processes. Unlike conventional industrial robots that operate on pre-programmed paths, Obsidian can perceive, understand, and adapt to the dynamic conditions of a shipbuilding environment. Currently, HII’s shipbuilders rely on automated welding systems that necessitate human collaboration, such as traditional panel line units and cobot welders. The introduction of AI-driven autonomous welding technology presents a significant opportunity to enhance shipbuilding capacity and improve workforce efficiency.
The memorandum of understanding was formalized at Path Robotics’ headquarters, with key figures in attendance, including Eric Chewning, HII’s executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, and Andy Lonsberry, CEO and co-founder of Path Robotics. Chewning expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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 highlighted HII’s recent 14% increase in shipbuilding throughput in 2025 and set a goal for an additional 15% increase in 2026 through this collaboration.
Future Opportunities and National Security
HII and Path Robotics plan to explore several key areas for future collaboration, including the development of autonomous shipbuilding capabilities, workforce training to enhance automation, and the establishment of an intellectual property framework for AI-based welding systems. Additionally, the companies aim to conduct research and development to integrate Path’s physical AI models with other cutting-edge shipbuilding technologies, including HII’s ROMULUS line of unmanned surface vehicles. This integration is expected to not only augment the welding workforce but also automate structural production, ultimately accelerating throughput to meet national security objectives.
Lonsberry emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Partnering with the nation’s largest military shipbuilder during such a critical time for national defense and manufacturing underscores the importance of what we’re building at Path.” He acknowledged the challenges of automating welding processes in shipbuilding and expressed pride in collaborating with HII to modernize defense manufacturing and strengthen the naval industrial base for the future.
As the demand for advanced shipbuilding capabilities grows, this partnership between HII and Path Robotics could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of maritime manufacturing.
