HD Hyundai Unveils Industry’s First Fully Robotic End-to-End Hull Management Solution

HD Hyundai is reportedly developing the first AI hull management system that would automate the entire process, from hull inspection and cleaning to performance verification.

The company announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Robotics, HD Hyundai Marine Solution, Avikus, coating manufacturer KCC and underwater robotics company TAS Global, to develop and commercialise a Total Hull Care Solution together.

The robot system will be able to diagnose the hull condition in real time and also suggest solutions through an integrated management system.

The companies would jointly develop AI-powered underwater robot-based hull inspection technologies, systems to monitor hull conditions and optimise fuel efficiency based on ship operating data.

However, HD Hyundai will lead the project in terms of developing tech to automate the maintenance process, including hull inspection, providing assessments, to cleaning and post-service performance verification with the use of underwater robots.

An official from the company stated that it is an industry first to combine shipbuilding, marine coating and robot technologies into a single solution.

“The initiative will help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions while creating a new business model for the vessel maintenance market,” the official added.