Kawasaki Builds a Four-Legged Welding Robot That Climbs Steel Ship Hulls, Trials in 2027
chris_j_paxton · x · 2026-10-07
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is prototyping a four-legged welding robot that walks up steel walls using electromagnets, aimed at autonomous shipyard welding via Physical AI.
- Motivation: experienced shipyard welders are increasingly scarce
- Trials at its Sakaide Works planned for 2027, with the robot on the job by 2028
- Related approach: RobotPlusPlus's magnetic wheeled base with dual arms and swappable tools for welding, rust removal, and spraying
- Beyond shipyards: petrochemical storage tanks and wind turbine towers need the same inspection and maintenance
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