— HII and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are advancing their strategic partnership with a pilot program to implement additional intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, expanding Ingalls’ robust existing automation and technology strategy. “Ingalls operates one of the most advanced automated production lines in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. This pilot extends that automation footprint further into the production process, and to a greater share of the workforce. The intelligent mechanized welding pilot grew out of a three-day technical exchange at Ingalls where the companies evaluated shipbuilding technologies and automation opportunities across their respective shipyards. During the visit, Ingalls showcased its hybrid laser welding process, robotics integration, and facility layout designed to support streamlined construction.