The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with research institutes in Spain and Greece, leading countries in mechanical technology, to accelerate international cooperation. The MOUs focus on advanced manufacturing, robotics, and 3D printing, aiming to promote comprehensive collaboration in research, information exchange, and human resource sharing.
In Greece, President Sang-jin Park signed an MOU at the University of Patras with EIT Manufacturing and the Laboratory for Manufacturing System and Automation (LMS). EIT Manufacturing, supported by a network of 130 partners from 25 European member countries, has a track record of significant investments in education, training, and start-ups. The LMS, a renowned technology center for robotics, specializes in manufacturing systems, industrial automation, and virtual reality.
During their visit to Greece, the KIMM delegation toured the LMS's research facilities and discussed potential joint research projects in robotics, including those conducted under the EU research and innovation program 'Horizon Europe.' Horizon Europe is a program aimed at fostering inclusive international collaborative research in Europe, with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion for the years 2021-2027.
KIMM's collaboration with the University of Patras and other European institutes, including those in Germany and Italy, focuses on the development of smart mechatronics technology, AI-based control technology, and user-friendly interface technology for intelligent goods handling. These advancements will find applications in diverse fields, such as elevator manufacturing, logistics warehouses, and aircraft assembly.
In Spain, KIMM signed an MOU with the Technology Center of Catalonia (EURECAT), a prominent research institute in mechanical technology. This marked KIMM's first collaboration with a Spanish research institute. EURECAT is known for providing innovative solutions across various industries, with expertise in robotics, ICT, energy resources, and chemistry.
Furthermore, KIMM seeks international joint research in metal 3D printing. The institute visited the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (CIM UPC) and the main campus of Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC) in Catalonia, Spain, to discuss potential projects and promote research cooperation related to 3D printing. CIM UPC, known for its expertise in 3D printing and machine tools, is part of UPC, one of Spain's top engineering universities.
KIMM has also established collaboration in machine tools and lasers with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, traditional powerhouses in mechanical technology. Previous MOUs were signed with the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW), and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC).
President Sang-jin Park emphasized the institute's commitment to expanding international joint research in advanced manufacturing, including robotics and 3D printing. KIMM aims to develop technologies that benefit both domestic and foreign industries by actively exchanging demand-based application technologies with Europe's foundational mechanical technologies.
