AIPL, a South Korean startup specializing in autonomous manufacturing solutions for shipyards through AI-powered robotics, has secured seed investment from Schmidt and Kingsley Ventures.

Founded in 2023, AIPL provides cutting-edge technology that enhances productivity in large-scale shipbuilding while addressing chronic labor shortages in the industry. The company has already delivered AI-based welding quality inspection systems to major domestic shipbuilders and has been actively involved in key national R&D initiatives.

AIPL is currently developing an AI-driven autonomous manufacturing solution for ship block production, as well as unmanned transport robots for material handling within shipyard operations. Its long-term vision is to expand these solutions across all stages of ship production—from block assembly and factory lines to docks and quaysides—ultimately establishing itself as a global leader in autonomous shipyard manufacturing technology.

The timing of AIPL’s growth aligns with a significant upswing in the shipbuilding industry. Korea’s shipbuilding sector has recently entered a “supercycle,” with a boom expected to continue for over a decade. This growth is fueled by new demand for eco-friendly vessels in response to International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and replacement demand for aging fleets. As a result, there is growing interest in technologies that can boost productivity and alleviate labor shortages.

With this round of funding, AIPL plans to advance its core technologies and develop additional solutions that align with the shipbuilding industry’s accelerating digital transformation. The company also intends to secure proprietary technologies and establish collaborative relationships with domestic and international robotics firms. These efforts are aimed at positioning AIPL for future participation in overseas shipyard restoration projects and in Southeast Asian shipyard expansions, where Korean shipbuilders are building secondary production hubs.

Han Seong-ho, CEO of AIPL, expressed his enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “We’re thrilled to secure this funding at a critical point in our company’s growth. AIPL will drive a paradigm shift in shipbuilding—transforming it from labor-intensive to AI-driven, tech-intensive manufacturing—and help Korean shipbuilders maintain a competitive edge on the global stage.”