Smart boat festival KABOAT 2020 to be held

- Meeting of intelligent robotics and advanced shipbuilding technology in the age of the fourth industrial revolution -

- Scheduled for Aug. 12 to 14 at Masan Robot Land Convention Center (ROBOCO)

- Autonomous boat technology and future potential showcased

- Provides residents with opportunities to participate in various activities

□ The Korea Autonomous Boat Competition (KABOAT) 2020 will be held for three days from August 12 to 14 at the Masan Robot Land Convention Center (ROBOCO) in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Under the theme of “meeting of intelligent robotics and advanced shipbuilding technology in the age of the fourth industrial revolution,” the competition attracted a total of 26 teams, comprised of 25 student teams from 17 universities and 1 general team.

□ Jointly organized by the Society of Naval Architects of Korea (President Hyun-su Kim), Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (President Booki Kim) Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Governor Kim Kyeong-soo), and Changwon City (Mayor Sungmoo Huh), the competition showcases autonomous boat technology in several categories: regular remote control, hopping tour autopilot, and obstacle passing.

□ The competition holds significance in preparing Korea for the fourth industrial revolution and fueling the passion of young engineers, who will serve as industrial leaders in the future. The teams compete with one another using autonomous boats designed by themselves based on intelligent robotics and advanced shipping technology.

□ At this year’s competition, teams will be applying intelligent robotics to autonomous ships, making them capable of detection, avoidance, judgement, and navigation. The autonomous ships to be used in the competition are those designed by the students themselves. The event will also be an opportunity to introduce autonomous ships to the general public.

□ Masan Robot Land, which opened in 2019, is equipped with essential infrastructure to carry out intelligent robot competitions and events. The venue is expected to be optimal in maximizing the potential of autonomous boats. A personnel of the Masan Robot Land Foundation said, “Masan Robot Land is solidifying its position as the hub of robotics in Korea. As the official venue, we hope to play a part in the development of smart robots. We will do our best to support young engineers, who will be leading the robot industry.”

□ Hyeon Kyu Yoon (professor at Changwon National University), chair of the competition organizing committee of Society of Naval Architects of Korea, said, “With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, the shipbuilding industry must adapt and embrace changes. In addition to the development of convergence technology, we must prioritize the fostering of related talent. This competition can have a positive impact on engineering education if utilized for nationwide capstone design. Furthermore, it can enhance public understanding of autonomous ships and the need for smart technology.”

□ Booki Kim, the president of KRISO, said, “KRISO has conducted various projects to develop technology related to autonomous ships. Now, we are ready to pursue a full-fledged development project. I hope this competition will produce experts with a solid understanding of autonomous ships and convergence technology, and also raise public awareness on ships and ocean engineering."