Robotic Technology Embraced by Shipbuilders in Response to Labor Shortage

The shortage of skilled labor in the Korean shipbuilding industry has led companies to turn to robots as a solution. Shipbuilders have struggled to recruit skilled welders, prompting them to introduce welding robots to their shipyards. Samsung Heavy Industries has developed a laser high-speed welding robot that can significantly speed up the welding process for membrane panels used in LNG carriers. The robot can complete the task in one minute, compared to the five minutes it takes with the conventional method. Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries has also purchased collaborative robots that allow unskilled workers to weld inaccessible spots. These robots are seen as a good alternative in the face of the labor shortage.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been using collaborative robots since 2018 and plans to transform its shipyards into “smart shipyards” by 2030. Hanwha Ocean has developed a collaborative robot that can weld a vessel’s plumbing, reducing preparatory work by 60% and enhancing worker productivity. The shipbuilding industry expects that robots will not only address the labor shortage but also help prevent fatal industrial accidents. The industry has been vulnerable to accidents due to the nature of shipyards, but the use of robots can help improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

In summary, Korean shipbuilders are turning to robots to address the shortage of skilled labor. Samsung Heavy Industries has developed a high-speed welding robot, while Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries has purchased collaborative robots. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to transform its shipyards into smart shipyards, and Hanwha Ocean has developed a collaborative robot for welding. These robots not only address the labor shortage but also contribute to preventing fatal industrial accidents in the shipbuilding industry.

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