Public-private partnership positions Louisiana as a national proving ground for embodied AI in advanced manufacturing and workforce innovation
ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. — The State of Louisiana and Persona AI, headquartered in Houston, Texas, today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind humanoid robotics pilot program at SSE Steel Fabrication, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of embodied artificial intelligence in live industrial environments.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the pilot represents one of the first instances in which a U.S. state has partnered directly with industry to support the development and validation of humanoid robotics inside an active heavy-manufacturing facility. The initiative is facilitated by Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development, with support from Greater New Orleans, Inc..
The pilot will be conducted at SSE Steel’s large-scale fabrication facility in St. Bernard Parish and will focus on collecting real-world data on human movement, task execution, and environmental interaction within an operating steel manufacturing environment. That data will inform how humanoid robotic systems perceive, move, and safely work alongside skilled tradespeople in complex, dynamic industrial settings.
“This is exactly the kind of applied innovation Louisiana should be leaning into,” said Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Economic Development. “Partnerships like these help small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt new tools, modernize operations, and compete at a higher level—while creating pathways to higher-skill, higher-paying careers that strengthen our workforce statewide.”
Advancing Humanoid Robotics in Real-World Industry
The pilot leverages SSE Steel’s advanced fabrication operations as an industrial proving ground for Persona AI’s next generation of rugged humanoid platforms. Unlike traditional fixed automation, Persona AI’s humanoids are designed to operate in environments originally built for humans—using existing tools, navigating uneven terrain, and adapting to changing conditions.
These capabilities make humanoid systems particularly well-suited for heavy industry sectors facing persistent labor shortages, safety challenges, and operational complexity.
“This collaboration allows us to explore emerging technologies where they matter most—on the shop floor, not in a lab,” said Justin Airhart, Chief Operations Officer of SSE Steel Fabrication. “SSE Steel has long embraced innovation in service of safety, productivity, and workforce sustainability, and supporting this pilot aligns directly with that mission.”
Persona AI’s approach centers on workforce augmentation, with humanoid robots performing high-risk or hard-to-staff tasks while experienced tradespeople transition into higher-value roles such as supervision, quality assurance, robotic operations, and systems oversight.
“Partnering with the State of Louisiana allows us to accelerate humanoid development in one of the most industrially relevant regions in the country,” said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI. “Louisiana is actively investing in the innovation required to rebuild domestic shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing capacity. Working alongside LA.IO, GNO, Inc., and industrial leaders like SSE Steel gives our humanoid platforms the real-world conditions they need to mature and deploy at scale.”
Building a Competitive Industrial Workforce
The pilot reflects growing national momentum around humanoid robotics across manufacturing, maritime, energy, defense, and infrastructure—industries that form the backbone of Louisiana’s economy and U.S. supply chains. State and regional leaders emphasize that technology adoption historically creates new, higher-value jobs even as it transforms existing roles, increasing demand for robot technicians, systems operators, safety supervisors, data specialists, and AI-enabled skilled trades.
“Real innovation happens when proven processes are responsibly pushed into what’s next,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Louisiana has the industrial depth to deploy AI at real scale, in the real world. This pilot is about modernizing operations safely, attracting sustained investment, and building a durable competitive advantage for our workforce and communities.”
A National Testbed for Embodied AI
The pilot is focused on data collection and real-world validation ahead of broader deployments. State and regional leaders view the effort as a foundational step toward scaling humanoid robotics across Louisiana’s core industries—positioning the state as a national testbed for next-generation industrial work and embodied AI applications.
Additional details on the pilot program will be announced as the project progresses.
About Persona AI
Persona AI is a pioneering robotics company developing intelligent humanoid robots designed specifically for industrial applications. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Persona AI draws on decades of experience building advanced robotic systems for demanding environments, including space and deep-ocean exploration. Learn more at www.persona.ai.
About SSE Steel Fabrication
SSE Steel Fabrication is an AISC-certified, woman-owned steel fabrication contractor based in St. Bernard, Louisiana. The company specializes in precision structural fabrication using state-of-the-art technology and robotic machinery for commercial, industrial, and municipal projects nationwide. Learn more at www.sse-la.com.
About Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO)
Louisiana Innovation is a division of Louisiana Economic Development dedicated to strengthening and modernizing the state’s core industries through innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technologies. Learn more at www.la.io.
About Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Greater New Orleans, Inc. is the regional economic development organization for Southeast Louisiana, focused on building a thriving economy and high quality of life for all residents. Learn more at www.gnoinc.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emma Wagner
Communications Director, Louisiana Economic Development
Emma.Wagner@la.gov | 912.467.2117
