By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) — HD Hyundai, South Korea’s leading shipbuilding group, on Thursday announced a partnership with the Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) to speed up efforts to apply artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the shipbuilding industry.
Under the agreement involving HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and HD Hyundai Robotics Co., the business group aims to develop a “digital strategic asset” for the shipbuilding and maritime industry, the Ministry of Science and ICT said.
During the signing ceremony, HD Hyundai said it plans to accelerate South Korea’s AI transformation in the manufacturing sector while supporting the government’s drive to become one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses, according to the ministry.
In detail, HD Hyundai and UNIST will develop an AI foundation model for the shipbuilding and maritime industry, and establish a data ecosystem.
“As the shipbuilding and maritime industry is facing both crisis and opportunity, the agreement is set to serve as a key platform to overcome challenges and seize the chance,” Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said in a release.
“The government will spare no efforts so that the partnership can serve as an example of advancing South Korea’s drive to become one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses while seeking shared regional growth,” Bae added.
The science ministry said it will support the partnership by removing unnecessary regulations on collecting and utilizing data for AI research and development projects.
This file photo provided by Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology shows its campus in the southeastern port city of Ulsan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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