The Korea Institute of Robotics and Convergence signed a business agreement with the Korea Institute of Small and Medium Shipbuilding.

The Korea Institute of Robotics and Convergence (KIRO, President Ki-won Kang) and the Korea Institute of Small and Medium Shipbuilding (KIRO, President Yong-seok Seo) announced on January 14, 2026, that they signed a business agreement for the development of the shipbuilding and robot industries at the KIRO headquarters in Busan.

This agreement aims to strengthen the technological competitiveness of the future shipbuilding and marine industries through the convergence of shipbuilding and robotics technology, and to establish a sustainable cooperative system between the two organizations. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both organizations, including Kang Ki-won, President of the Korea Institute of Robotics and Convergence, and Seo Yong-seok, President of the Korea Institute of Small and Medium Shipbuilding.

Under the agreement, the two organizations plan to pursue cooperation in various areas, including joint development of shipbuilding and robotics convergence technology, joint planning to respond to strategic projects and field demands, mutual exchange of professional personnel and technical information, joint use of research facilities and equipment, and establishment of policy advisory and cooperative networks related to shipbuilding and robotics technology.

The Korea Institute of Small and Medium-sized Shipbuilding will expand the applicability of robotics technology based on its research infrastructure and industrial experience in the shipbuilding industry, while the Korea Institute of Robotics and Convergence will utilize its robotics and automation technology capabilities to support increased productivity and improved working environments in the shipbuilding industry.

Seo Yong-seok, director of the Korea Institute for Small and Medium-Sized Shipbuilding, stated that collaboration across technological boundaries is crucial to responding to changes in the industrial environment, and announced that the two organizations will work closely together to promote automation and innovation in the shipbuilding industry.

Kang Ki-won, director of the Korea Robot Convergence Research Institute, emphasized that the convergence of the shipbuilding industry and robotics technology is a key element in improving productivity and ensuring work safety, and stated that he will pursue the development of robots and AI-based automation technologies specialized in the shipbuilding and marine sectors through field-centered technology verification and performance creation.