HII (NYSE: HII) announced the launch of its High-Yield Production Robotics (HYPR) program in partnership with Path Robotics and GrayMatter Robotics at the U.S. Navy League Sea-Air-Space Expo 2026. The program aims to implement automated technologies for naval shipbuilding processes.

The HYPR program combines robotic welding, automated material movement, autonomous surface treatment, and autonomous quality checks into an assembly line for ship and submarine construction. HII plans to conduct proof-of-concept demonstrations with its partners in 2026, with a full pilot program expected to launch in 2027.

"Integrating our partnerships into one HYPR team will enable us to leverage each other's capabilities to accelerate shipbuilding throughput, strengthen the maritime industrial base and augment our shipbuilding work," said Eric Chewning, executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy at HII.

The program was developed with support from HII's Dark Sea Labs Advanced Technology Group. Path Robotics will provide physical artificial intelligence for manufacturing, while GrayMatter Robotics will contribute Factory SuperIntelligence technology for surface preparation, finishing, coating, and inspection.

Path Robotics CEO Andy Lonsberry stated that the company's physical AI is designed to adapt to real-world conditions in real time for precise welding at scale. GrayMatter Robotics CEO Ariyan Kabir noted that the collaboration allows the company to apply its capabilities within shipbuilding alongside the other partners.

The pilot program is expected to support structural needs for the ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel family, as well as structural assemblies for surface combatants and submarines. HII will provide shipbuilding expertise, production demand and qualification pathways, while the partners contribute engineering investment and automation systems.

The information is based on a company press release.