Persona AI Targets Korean Shipyards, Steel Mills With Humanoid Robots
Persona AI, a U.S. startup specializing in humanoid robots for heavy industry, is set to broaden its horizons in South Korea, targeting sectors beyond shipbuilding and steelmaking. The company’s move comes in response to the escalating demand for humanoid robots in work environments grappling with diminishing labor resources.
Targeting New Sectors in South Korea
Michael Perry, the chief business strategy officer at Persona AI, revealed the company’s plans during the “Humanoid Summit 2026 Seoul,” held at COEX in Seoul on the 22nd. Perry emphasized the vast opportunities present in Korea for humanoid robots, stating, “We are currently collaborating with partners in shipbuilding and steelmaking, and we envision potential partnerships in the energy and construction sectors.”
Addressing Labor Shortages in Heavy Industry
Founded in Houston in 2024, Persona AI is dedicated to developing humanoid robots tailored for heavy-industry applications, specifically in shipyards and steel mills. In Korea, the company is engaged in proof-of-concept projects with HD Hyundai and POSCO DX, focusing on welding robots for shipyards and robots designed for steel logistics tasks. Notably, POSCO DX has invested $2 million in Persona AI to bolster these initiatives.
Persona AI’s strategic focus on heavy industry stems from the sector’s inherent challenges, including strenuous, hazardous, and intricate tasks that lead to severe labor shortages. Perry highlighted the impending shortfall of welders in the United States, projecting a deficit of over 330,000 welders by 2028 and an estimated 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030.
Recognizing similar labor dilemmas in Korea due to its aging workforce, Perry emphasized the suitability of humanoid robots in alleviating these issues, particularly in welding applications where automation expertise and data are abundant.
Future Prospects and Market Growth
Persona AI’s humanoid robots are designed to navigate and operate in environments where conventional robots face limitations, such as narrow spaces and challenging terrains like shipyard ladders. Perry underscored the company’s commitment to developing robots capable of performing a diverse range of tasks, mirroring the complexity of human-operated roles in heavy industry.
The industrial humanoid robot market is in its nascent stages, with a projected sixfold expansion from $900 million in 2025 to $5.5 billion by 2030. Persona AI aims to capitalize on this growth trajectory by offering robots tailored for industrial applications, distinct from consumer-oriented Chinese humanoid robots known for their entertainment value.
Looking ahead, Persona AI is gearing up to launch its third-generation robot this fall, alongside plans for mass production and maintenance services. Perry envisions commercializing robots on manufacturing floors within the next two years, aligning with Korean companies’ needs and fostering sustainable robot operations through collaborative problem-solving.
