Hanwha Ocean adds MaumAI to welding automation push
South Korean artificial-intelligence company MaumAI has recently announced securing a KRW2.106bn ($1.57m) contract from Hanwha Ocean for the development of autonomous welding technology in the shipbuilding industry. The agreement was officially signed on September 11 and is set to run until July 31, 2027.
Details of the Contract
The contract’s value, excluding VAT, accounts for 21.52% of MaumAI’s projected 2025 consolidated revenue. MaumAI will carry out the development work internally in South Korea, with payment linked to achieving five key development milestones. A 30% advance payment is scheduled within 30 days of signing the contract.
MaumAI’s Expertise and Focus
MaumAI specializes in developing physical-AI systems that integrate machine perception, decision-making, and robot control. The company sees shipbuilding welding robots as a prime application of its technology. However, specific details regarding the robotic hardware, welding equipment, yard, vessel program, and AI models covered by the contract remain undisclosed. Additionally, no information on the testing schedule, deployment target, or anticipated productivity gains has been provided.
Expanding Partnerships in Welding Automation
Hanwha Ocean is concurrently collaborating with NC AI on vision-guided autonomous welding and has an existing AI-welding partnership with Canada’s Novarc Technologies. The recent contract awarded to MaumAI adds another dimension to the yard’s welding-automation initiative, solidifying its commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in shipbuilding processes.
As MaumAI embarks on this innovative project with Hanwha Ocean, the future of autonomous welding technology in the shipbuilding sector looks promising, highlighting the industry’s continuous evolution towards greater efficiency and automation.
