Samsung Heavy Industries prepares to deploy humanoids at shipyard, joins forces with KIRO
Samsung Heavy Industries has partnered with the Korea Institute of Robot Industry Advancement (KIRO) to develop autonomous work robots and humanoids specifically for shipbuilding. The memorandum of understanding was signed at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje Shipyard on the 16th, marking a significant step towards the deployment of advanced robots in the industry.
Advancing Convergence Technologies in Shipbuilding and Robotics
The collaboration aims to leverage the technological capabilities and research infrastructure of both organizations to enhance productivity and safety in shipbuilding. Through joint research and field testing, Samsung Heavy Industries and KIRO seek to strengthen their global technological competitiveness and contribute to the advancement of convergence technologies in the shipbuilding and robotics industries.
Key research officials from both organizations, including Choi Doo-jin and Seo Gap-ho, attended the signing ceremony to discuss future technological cooperation. Plans are in place for joint research projects focusing on shipbuilding-specific autonomous work robots, humanoids for industrial manufacturing, and AI robotics solutions, building on the existing partnership between industry and research institutes.
Building on Past Success and Looking Towards the Future
This collaboration is not the first between Samsung Heavy Industries and KIRO. Since 2015, the two organizations have worked together on developing mobile welding robots and autonomous welding robots for use in shipbuilding operations. These technologies have been successfully applied in actual operations, showcasing the strength of the partnership.
Kang Ki-won, president of KIRO, emphasized the importance of the agreement in linking Samsung Heavy Industries’ expertise in shipbuilding with the institute’s robotics research and development capabilities. The goal is to expand the development and field testing of robot technologies that can directly benefit the shipbuilding industry, ultimately contributing to the technological competitiveness of South Korea’s shipbuilding sector.
By fostering collaboration between the shipbuilding and robotics industries, Samsung Heavy Industries and KIRO are paving the way for innovative advancements in autonomous technology within the maritime sector.
