Houston-based startup Persona AI has raised $27 million in a pre-seed funding round to speed up the development of humanoid robots for shipyards and manufacturing. Founded in 2024 by robotics experts, the company aims to tackle tough industrial tasks with robots that blend human-like skills and heavy-duty precision.

The team includes Nic Radford, the CEO, who previously founded Nauticus Robotics and worked for 15 years at NASA’s Dexterous Robotics Lab. Jerry Pratt, the chief technology officer, came from Figure AI, and Jide Akinyode, the chief operating officer, was vice president of engineering at Nauticus Robotics.

Persona AI’s robots are designed to handle demanding jobs in shipbuilding and manufacturing, helping to fill labor gaps and make workplaces safer. The company’s robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model means clients don’t need to spend big money upfront to use these robots.

“We’re so thankful to our investors for believing in our bold vision,” said Nic Radford. “They see the huge potential of humanoid robots to transform industries, and we’re excited to make that happen.”

The funding round was led by Unity Growth and Tides Ventures, with support from many others, including Mirae Asset Group, Invicta Growth, and Fathom Fund. “Persona AI stands out for taking on the toughest challenges in industrial labor,” said Shankar Gupta Boddu of Unity Growth. “They’re building a safer, more efficient future for work.”

Persona AI has already signed a deal with HD Hyundai, a top shipbuilding company, to bring humanoid robots to shipyards, with the first delivery expected within 18 months. While other companies are building humanoids for logistics and car factories, Persona AI’s focus on shipyards makes it unique.

The race to use humanoid robots in real-world jobs is heating up. Last year, Agility Robotics sent its Digit robots to a Spanx facility in Georgia, and Schaeffler AG bought some for its factories. Figure AI is also shipping its Figure 02 robots to early customers, with BMW Group testing them in South Carolina.

Some experts believe humanoid robots could be a $3 trillion market in the U.S. alone, thanks to advances in AI and the need for smart automation. Others, like Interact Analysis, think growth will be slower, reaching $2 billion and 40,000 units by 2032. Either way, Persona AI is ready to lead the charge in shipyards and beyond!