Samsung Heavy Industries has established a joint research centre with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) to develop new systems for autonomous navigation, low-carbon propulsion, smart shipyard operations and robotics.
The SHI-KAIST Advanced Maritime Research Center is located at KAIST’s main campus in Daejeon and will conduct research into AI algorithms for autonomous navigation, including situational awareness, route optimisation, collision avoidance and digital bridge systems.
Other research areas will include core equipment and fuel supply systems for ammonia- and hydrogen-fuelled vessels, AI-based shipbuilding processes using digital twins, and robotics for welding, painting and inspection.
The centre will operate as a permanent framework for identifying and carrying out research projects, replacing the companies’ previous project-by-project approach.
It will also support student research and scholarships through an industry-academia cooperation fund.
Samsung Heavy Industries and KAIST have collaborated since 1995 through the SHI-KAIST Industry-Academia Cooperation Council, with the partnership generating more than 1,000 joint projects, technical consultations, training programmes and other activities.
“In the future, physical AI that innovates actual industrial sites will determine manufacturing competitiveness,” said Bae Choong-Sik, President of KAIST (translated from Korean).
“The shipbuilding and marine industry is a prime sector where new value can be created through the fusion of mechanical engineering, AI, and robotics. We expect this research centre to grow into a hub that solves complex industrial challenges and sets new standards for future technology.”
Choi Sung-an, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Heavy Industries, said the centre would support efforts to develop technologies and talent in autonomous navigation, alternative-fuel vessels and smart manufacturing.
