Recently, South Korean shipbuilding giant Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) held an unveiling ceremony for the “SHI-KAIST Advanced Maritime Research Center (AMRC),” aimed at researching future shipbuilding and maritime technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and digital transformation.
Samsung Heavy Industries stated that the partners plan to conduct joint research in areas related to shipbuilding technology—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and eco-friendly solutions—through the AMRC and KAIST.
The main research areas include: autonomous navigation and intelligent navigation AI technology; zero-carbon and low-carbon fuel propulsion systems; smart shipyards and digital twin manufacturing innovation; and specialized robotics technology for shipbuilding and ocean engineering. The details are as follows:
- Autonomous and Intelligent Navigation AI Technology: The parties will jointly research AI algorithms to advance autonomous navigation systems, including optimal route navigation.
- Zero-Carbon and Low-Carbon Fuel Propulsion Systems: The parties will research core equipment and fuel supply solutions for ammonia- and hydrogen-powered vessels.
- Smart Shipyards and Digital Twin Manufacturing Innovation: The parties will collaborate on developing AI-based technologies for the digital transformation of shipbuilding processes, such as production management.
- Specialized Robotics for Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering: The parties plan to jointly research robotics technology for automating on-site processes such as welding, coating, and inspection.
In addition, Samsung Heavy Industries and KAIST plan to advance student research funding and scholarship programs through an industry-academia cooperation fund.
A representative from Samsung Heavy Industries stated, “Through this latest agreement, the company aims to secure technological competitiveness for the future shipbuilding and offshore industries—and to cultivate talent—in areas such as autonomous navigation, eco-friendly vessels, and smart manufacturing.”