Novarc and Hanwha Ocean to Develop Automated Welding and AI-Powered Shipbuilding Systems

Insider Brief

• Novarc Technologies and Hanwha Ocean have signed a research collaboration agreement to explore AI-powered welding and manufacturing systems for commercial and naval shipbuilding applications.
• Hanwha Ocean will contribute large-scale shipbuilding expertise while Novarc brings its welding automation, machine vision and industrial physical AI technologies aimed at improving precision, efficiency and structural integrity.
• The partnership reflects growing interest in applying physical AI to heavy industry, where robotic systems must adapt in real time to complex manufacturing environments and demanding quality requirements.

Novarc Technologies is partnering with Hanwha Ocean to explore the use of AI-powered welding and manufacturing systems in shipbuilding.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for research collaboration around AI-enabled manufacturing processes for commercial and naval shipbuilding applications, according to Novarc. Under the agreement, Hanwha Ocean will bring its expertise in large-scale shipbuilding while Novarc contributes its welding automation and industrial physical AI technologies that include machine vision systems.

“We are excited to support the future needs of the defence and naval industrial base through this collaboration, applying industrial Physical AI to some of the world’s most demanding manufacturing environments,” said Novarc CEO Soroush Karimzadeh noted.

The agreement was announced during BC Innovation Day in Victoria, British Columbia, an event that brought together government officials, academic institutions and industry leaders from Canada and South Korea to discuss collaboration around maritime technologies, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

“Canada possesses exceptional strengths across shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence,” added Hanwha Ocean president and CEO Hee Cheul (Charles) Kim. “Through BC Innovation Day, we are proud to deepen our engagement with Canadian industry leaders like Novarc and explore long-term collaboration that supports innovation, industrial growth, workforce development, and stronger cooperation between Canada and Korea.”