Samsung Heavy sails autonomous demonstration vessel

The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Thursday the launch ceremony for Samsung Heavy Industries' autonomous demonstration vessel, SHIFT-Auto, was held in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.

The 12-meter-long SHIFT-Auto is a research vessel equipped with autonomous navigation technologies, including automatic docking and undocking, voice control, and an Internet of Things (IoT) system.

In the future, SHIFT-Auto will demonstrate functions such as collision avoidance with other vessels, optimal route navigation, and remote control based on low-earth orbit satellite communication.

Samsung Heavy Industries' autonomous vessels aim to complete assigned missions from shore without crew intervention.

Write to Woo-Sub Kim at duter@hankyung.com