HJ Shipbuilding & Construction was selected as the lead institution for a Korea-U.S. joint shipbuilding research and development (R&D) project and decided to cooperate with a U.S. university on next-generation welding technology.
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction said on the 23rd (local time) that it attended the opening ceremony of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington, D.C., and signed an agreement with San Diego State University (SDSU) to develop next-generation welding technology.
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction is in charge of the task related to next-generation welding technology among the eight Korea-U.S. joint research and development (R&D) projects selected by the government.
The research led by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction is in the artificial intelligence (AI)-linked field and is titled "development of a physical AI-linked friction stir welding (FSW) system for autonomous manufacturing of aluminum patrol craft panels."
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a technology that joins metals using frictional heat and pressure without melting the metal, and is regarded as a next-generation welding technology.
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction said it is a technology that enables high-strength, high-quality welding on aluminum panels, which was difficult to achieve with conventional methods. It also said the method offers higher energy efficiency and processing stability, improving fuel efficiency through lighter ships and meeting demand for low-carbon vessels.
As the lead institution for this research, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction will carry out the study with the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding and Kyungpook National University.
San Diego State University in the United States, together with the Korea-based corporation Sangrim MSP, will handle system hardware and tool design and production. Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean are expected to participate as demand institutions for the project.
Yu Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, said, "This Korea-U.S. joint development of shipbuilding technology will be a symbolic case of combining the strengths of both countries to secure future technological competitiveness and jointly lead the eco-friendly and digital transition," adding, "Through close cooperation among shipyards, corporations, and research institutions in both countries, we will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation core technologies and create a new growth model that generates demand in the global market."