American company Persona AI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state of Louisiana, launching a pilot program to deploy humanoid robots in factories. Testing will take place at the SSE Steel Fabrication facility in St. Bernard Parish, where the robots will work directly in a steel manufacturing environment. The goal is to position Louisiana at the forefront of embodied AI in advanced manufacturing and next-generation workforce technologies.
Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Economic Development, said: "This is exactly the kind of applied innovation Louisiana should be investing in."
Persona AI's Vision
Persona AI is a Texas-based American startup that builds humanoid robots for demanding industrial workplaces. The company was founded in June 2024 by Nicholas Radford, a former NASA robotics engineer, and Jerry Pratt, former Chief Technology Officer at Figure AI. The robots are designed to work in environments built for humans rather than traditional machines. Unlike fixed factory robots that remain in one place, humanoid robots can use standard tools, walk across uneven terrain, and adapt to changing situations.
POSCO DX plans to develop a detailed roadmap for collaborating on humanoid robots that could replace high-risk manual processes at the group's industrial plants. The company aims to combine its own industrial AI technology with Persona AI's robotics technology to accelerate the adoption of physical artificial intelligence.
Technology from Space Research
Persona AI uses robotic hand technology originally developed by NASA, enabling precise control for tasks ranging from delicate parts assembly to handling heavy loads. The robots are equipped with tactile sensors that measure force and movement in real time, allowing them to perform tasks smoothly and safely in industrial environments.
The company also applies artificial intelligence algorithms based on the Robot Foundation Model (RFM), which functions as the robot's brain, enabling it to interact autonomously with its surroundings and perform advanced tasks. The technology includes multi-axis tactile sensing and adaptive control that integrates sensor data collected in real time.
Working in a Steel Mill
Persona AI's founders focus on creating robots for so-called "4D jobs" – jobs that are dull, dangerous, degrading, and dirty. The pilot program will train humanoid welders for manufacturing and shipbuilding work. Justin Airhart, Chief Operating Officer of SSE Steel Fabrication, said: "This collaboration allows us to explore new technologies where they matter most – on the shop floor, not in a laboratory. SSE Steel has long embraced innovation in the service of safety, productivity, and workforce sustainability."
Steel mills and heavy industry face growing operational challenges. Many industries are struggling with labor shortages, an aging workforce, and high employee turnover, particularly in physically demanding and dangerous roles. Workplace safety is becoming an increasingly significant concern, and companies are looking for ways to reduce accidents and human exposure to hazardous tasks.
Investment bank Morgan Stanley predicts that the global humanoid robot market will grow by an average of 63% annually and reach approximately 38 billion dollars (about 786.6 billion Czech korunas) by 2035, with manufacturing and logistics accounting for 60% of the market.
Source: interestingengineering.com
