Valstad

Valstad is an automation-first company working on American shipbuilding, combining advanced shipbuilding techniques, artificial intelligence and robotics to lower the cost of US-made ships. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and operates at the intersection of hardware and software, applying technical work in robotics, AI-driven production planning, phased array laser welding, structural welding automation and automated manufacturing to shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base.

Its technical work spans several systems. An AI-driven production planning engine converts 3D models into complete build sequences, removing months of manual process engineering and enabling rapid turnaround for ship panels. Modular robotic cells handle common shipbuilding operations, including primary stiffening, micropanel and T-beam fabrication, material handling and structural welding. Phased array laser welding technology allows single-pass welding of thick structural steel with minimal distortion and reduces consumables by up to 90% compared with traditional methods.

Valstad reports ship production speeds of up to five times faster than traditional methods. The company states three foundational principles: integrated design with manufacturing, standardised products at scale, and vertical integration, alongside a focus on bleeding-edge techniques and rapid innovation. Its stated mission is to strengthen America's maritime industrial base across shipbuilding, maritime, defense and manufacturing.