International classification society ABS and Persona AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop inspection technologies for humanoid robot platforms aimed at enhancing productivity and safety in shipyards. The collaboration will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, which incorporate NASA’s robotic hand technology, for various shipyard tasks. This work will ultimately contribute to new ABS standards for data required to support digital and remote survey techniques. The ABS-Persona AI initiative follows another significant development in the use of humanoid robots for shipyard work. In May 2025, South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai launched Korea’s first welding humanoid initiative in partnership with Persona AI and Vazil Company.