HII and Path Robotics Collaborate on Integrating Physical AI in Manned and Unmanned Shipbuilding

[Erkan Teskancan]

## HII and Path Robotics Collaboration: Integrating Physical AI in Manned and Unmanned Shipbuilding

HII and Path Robotics have signed a collaboration agreement to explore the integration of physical artificial intelligence into shipbuilding for welding processes. This initiative aims to boost production speed and enhance the shipbuilding workforce, thereby strengthening the maritime industry.

At a collaboration agreement ceremony held in Columbus, Ohio, HII and Path Robotics demonstrated their commitment to developing advanced physical AI and autonomous welding solutions. The ceremony, attended by Eric Chewning, HII's Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Strategy, and Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics, aimed to accelerate the production of manned and unmanned vessels for the U.S. Navy.

Chewning stated, "We are excited to use Path Robotics' advanced physical AI models to support our workforce and accelerate production. In 2025, ship production increased by 14%, and we plan to increase this by another 15% in 2026. By working with new partners like Path Robotics, we can further accelerate our production."

### Areas of Collaboration and Strategies

• Developing autonomous shipbuilding capabilities
• Training an automation-driven workforce
• Establishing an intellectual property framework for physical AI-based autonomous welding systems

The companies will also conduct research and development activities to integrate Path Robotics' physical AI models with other advanced technologies used in shipbuilding, including HII's ROMULUS line of unmanned surface vehicles.

Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics, commented, "Welding automation is one of the most challenging processes across industries, and shipbuilding is no exception. Path's physical AI perceives and understands the real-time world, adapting to these complex conditions. We are proud to work with HII to modernize defense manufacturing and strengthen the maritime industry."

### Path Robotics' Physical AI and Applications

Path Robotics' Obsidian model of physical AI transforms traditional industrial robotic arms into systems that can perceive, make decisions, and adapt to real-world conditions. While HII currently performs high-precision welding processes with human assistance, autonomous AI-based welding technology has the potential to support the workforce and accelerate production.

### About HII

• America's largest shipbuilder
• Provides the most powerful ships and unmanned systems for the U.S. Navy and its allies
• 140 years of experience in the security sector
• Headquartered in Virginia, with 44,000 employees

### About Path Robotics

• Founded in 2018
• Develops physical AI-based welding solutions
• Increases production capacity while improving quality
• Received over $300 million in investment
• Utilizes AI, machine learning, and computer vision technologies

This strategic collaboration is a significant step forward in advancing both the welding workforce and ship production capacity, contributing to the U.S.'s national security objectives.