NeoArc Robotics is a physical AI robot system corporations that automates production processes in shipbuilding and construction. Chief executive Kwon Yong-seop, a robot production automation expert, founded it in Apr. 2024.
Chief executive Kwon carried out development and on-site application of production automation systems at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Electronics, and handled research on the robot industry at the Korea Institute of Robot and Convergence. Kwon said, "While working on site with partner companies, I confirmed that there is a shortage of corporations and talent developing robot automation software," and noted, "This demand gap was the starting point for founding the company."
Chief executive Kwon places the company's role on "technology consolidation" rather than "technology development." Kwon explained, "What is more important than creating entirely new technology is applying it in the field," adding, "We are doing a business that serves as a bridge consolidating the latest technology and production sites."
NeoArc Robotics targeted the shipbuilding and construction industries, where the level of automation is low. Kwon emphasized, "Automation in the auto industry has advanced considerably, but shipbuilding and construction still rely heavily on labor," adding, "Introducing robots is essential as labor shortages worsen."
The company's core technologies are section steel cutting and welding automation. The 3D plasma section steel cutting robot system automatically recognizes and cuts materials of various shapes. When a worker feeds in the material, the entire process—from transfer and location recognition to cutting and discharge—runs automatically.
Kwon explained, "Vision AI recognizes the material's shape and position, measures deformation, and performs optimal cutting," adding, "What sets us apart is implementing the way skilled workers operate by learning it as data."
The system improves productivity and safety at the same time. In the past, a team of four had to handle everything from material movement and marking to cutting and post-processing, but with the system, it changes to a structure managed by one person. Kwon said, "Productivity improves by more than 50%, and workers are freed from dangerous processes, greatly improving safety."
NeoArc Robotics has built a product lineup aimed at both large corporations and small and mid-size companies. Equipment for small and mid-size companies is designed to handle various section steels such as angles, H-beams, and pipes in a single system. Kwon explained, "Small and mid-size companies face significant space and expense constraints, so they need compact systems that can handle multiple product types."
The technology has been verified in real-world settings. NeoArc Robotics installed systems at the production sites of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean in 2025, proving performance. The two companies are currently pushing to introduce additional equipment.
Global expansion is also becoming visible. Kwon said, "Discussions are under way to supply equipment in connection with Hanwha Ocean's entry into Philly Shipyard in the United States," adding, "We are developing with the goal of installation next year," and noted, "Starting in 2028, the goal is full-scale application to production in the U.S. local market."
The company is also accelerating technology development. NeoArc Robotics is currently developing its business based on plasma cutting technology while concurrently developing laser cutting technology that is more precise and faster. In welding automation, it is developing a mobile robot-based system with the goal of on-site application in 2027.
Kwon said, "In the long term, the goal is to implement an unmanned process system," adding, "We will build an AI-based production environment that minimizes worker intervention."
Kwon emphasized, "Shipbuilding and construction still involve many difficult and dangerous tasks," adding, "Our role is to provide technology that is genuinely helpful on site." Kwon continued, "We will expand application to steel, plant, and energy and secure competitiveness in the global market."