- Joint research on major technology megatrends, including AI, energy and digital transformation

· Advancing autonomous navigation systems through real-time situational awareness and optimal route planning

· Developing key equipment and fuel supply technologies for vessels powered by clean fuels including ammonia and hydrogen

· AI-based digital production management and robotic technologies for process automation

- Korea’s longest-running industry-academia partnership, spanning 32 years, evolves into a permanent joint research framework

· “Will strengthen technological competitiveness in future shipbuilding and offshore engineering while fostering next-generation talent”

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) announced that it held an opening ceremony for the ‘SHI-KAIST Advanced Maritime Research Center (AMRC)’ at KAIST’s main campus in Daejeon on the morning of the 13th.

The ceremony was attended by Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of SHI, and Choong-sik Bae, KAIST President, along with officials from SHI’s Ship & Offshore Research Institute and KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Leveraging shipbuilding expertise, conducting research in four key areas including AI, robotics and eco-friendly technologies

Through AMRC, SHI and KAIST plan to conduct joint research in megatrend areas such as AI, robotics and clean technologies that can be integrated with conventional shipbuilding technologies.

The center will focus on four key areas considered critical to the future of the maritime industry: AI technologies for autonomous and intelligent navigation; zero- and low-carbon fuel propulsion systems; manufacturing innovation through smart shipyards and digital twins; and robotics specialized for shipbuilding and offshore applications.

Going beyond the existing project-by-project approach to collaboration, the Advanced Maritime Research Center will establish a permanent framework under which SHI and KAIST will continuously identify and carry out joint research projects. The two organizations will also support student research and scholarship programs through industry-academia cooperation funds and other initiatives.

<Four Key Research Areas of the SHI-KAIST Advanced Maritime Research Center>

▶ AI Technologies for Autonomous and Intelligent Navigation : Joint research on AI algorithms to advance autonomous navigation systems, including situational awareness, optimal route planning and navigation, collision avoidance and digital bridge technologies.

▶ Zero- and Low-Carbon Fuel Propulsion Systems : Research on key equipment and fuel supply technologies for vessels powered by clean fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.

▶ Manufacturing Innovation through Smart Shipyards and Digital Twins : Research on technologies for the AI-driven digital transformation of shipbuilding processes, including block erection and production management.

▶ Robotics Specialized for Shipbuilding and Offshore Applications : Research on robotic technologies to automate on-site processes such as welding, painting and inspection.

SHI-KAIST Partnership Spans 32 Years, Setting Benchmark for Long-Term Industry-Academia Collaboration

The partnership between SHI and KAIST dates back to 1995, when SHI’s Ship & Offshore Research Institute and KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering established the ‘SHI-KAIST Industry-Academia Cooperation Council’.

Through the council, SHI and KAIST have accumulated numerous achievements through initiatives including an Advisory Board program, customized courses and joint SEED research projects. The Advisory Board program alone has led to more than 1,000 collaborative activities, including joint research projects and technical consultations. The two organizations have also actively promoted exchanges of technical personnel through short-term researcher training and co-op programs.

The ‘SHI-KAIST Industry-Academia Cooperation Council’ is recognized as one of Korea’s longest-running and exemplary industry-academia collaboration models, having continued for 32 years — a rare achievement in Korea’s industry-academia landscape. This longstanding partnership laid the groundwork for the establishment of AMRC.

“Going forward, physical AI that drives innovation in real-world industrial environments will increasingly determine manufacturing competitiveness,” said Choong-sik Bae, KAIST President. “The shipbuilding and offshore industry is a prime field for creating new value through the convergence of mechanical engineering, AI and robotics. We expect the new research center to grow into a research hub that addresses complex challenges in industrial settings and sets new standards for future technologies.”

“We find it particularly meaningful that our 32-year partnership with KAIST has culminated in the establishment of the Advanced Maritime Research Center,” said Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of SHI. “We will further accelerate our efforts to secure technological competitiveness in future shipbuilding and offshore sectors, including autonomous navigation, eco-friendly vessels and smart manufacturing, while fostering the next generation of talent.”