Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has announced the opening of its first US-based research center in collaboration with San Diego State University (SDSU). This strategic partnership aims to foster technological advancements and contribute to the revitalization of the US shipbuilding sector.
The SHI-SDSU Advanced Maritime Center (SSAM Center), located in San Diego, officially opened its doors with a ceremony attended by approximately 60 dignitaries. Attendees included Samsung Heavy Industries Chief Operating Officer Lee Wang-keun, SDSU Vice President for Research and Innovation Hala Madanat, and representatives from local government and economic development organizations.
San Diego’s selection as the center’s location is significant due to its home to General Dynamics NASSCO, the largest shipbuilding facility on the US West Coast. This proximity enables valuable industry-academia collaboration and supports workforce development initiatives within the shipbuilding industry.
SDSU’s engineering college boasts considerable research expertise in key areas, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, intelligent wireless communications, embedded systems, advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, and sustainable energy solutions.
According to Samsung Heavy Industries, the SSAM Center will function as a hub for collaborative research efforts involving SDSU and NASSCO. The research will concentrate on AI-powered production automation, robotics, and environmentally friendly shipbuilding technologies.
The center will also play a crucial role in identifying promising research opportunities with US universities, government bodies, and industry partners. Simultaneously, it will focus on building strong local networks to attract and cultivate skilled talent.
“This joint research hub marks the starting point for Samsung Heavy Industries to actively pursue the MASGA initiative — “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” — that we have been preparing for,” stated Lee Wang-keun, highlighting the center’s role in fostering technological synergy between the Korean and US shipbuilding industries.
SDSU President Adela de la Torre emphasized that the alliance will drive progress in sustainable technologies and provide crucial training opportunities for future leaders in the maritime industry.
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