Japan to Promote AI Robot Shipbuilding Technology as Second-Phase Investment in the United States

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 17th that Japan is in talks with the United States government to invest 100 million dollars (about 149.15 billion won) in research and development of shipbuilding technology using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The initiative is intended to strengthen the shipbuilding technology competitiveness of both countries and is expected to be agreed at the Japan–United States summit to be held in Washington, D.C., on the 19th.
According to multiple Japanese government officials, the two governments are considering a plan for Japan and the United States to jointly develop AI robots that can autonomously perform tasks such as steel plate welding required in the shipbuilding process.
The goal is to automate processes that have so far relied on the manual work of skilled laborers, thereby boosting productivity. It is also designed to respond to China, which has secured the top share of the global shipbuilding market through industrial policy support and low labor costs.
The shipbuilding industry is regarded as an essential sector for both Japan and the United States to secure maritime transport capacity.
This cooperation is one of the projects under a 550 billion dollar investment package in the United States, which is being pursued following a bilateral agreement on tariff negotiations. The two countries had already agreed last fall to expand cooperation in the shipbuilding sector.
The Japanese government also drew up a roadmap late last year to double its annual shipbuilding volume by 2035 compared with 2024. To promote the use of advanced technologies and expand shipbuilding facilities, Japan aims to realize a total public–private investment of 10 trillion yen.

sjmary@fnnews.com Seo Hye-jin Reporter