A robot walking on four legs like a dog stopped among the crowd and performed a backflip. Nearby, a logistics robot from ROBOE was autonomously transporting boxes. These demonstrations from Mobilio's quadruped robot and ROBOE's logistics robot showcased the future of smart ports.
On July 15, the Incheon International Maritime Forum was held at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon under the theme 'The Future of the Ocean in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).' The event featured five regular sessions, one special session, a seminar linked to the forum, an AI competition hosted by local universities, and a physical AI exhibition.
Lee Kyung-kyu, president of the Incheon Port Authority, stated, "As the Incheon International Maritime Forum has established itself as the largest maritime forum in the metropolitan area, I hope it will serve as an opportunity for the industry, academia, and the general public, especially the youth, to discover new values in the maritime sector."
In the first keynote address, Professor Choi Jae-bung from Sungkyunkwan University discussed the social challenges and future changes faced by maritime cities during the AI civilization transition. Following him, Joo Si-hyun, an executive at Hyundai Motor and Kia, presented innovative applications of AI technology in port logistics and maritime mobility.
The subsequent sessions covered six topics: shipping and logistics, smart ports, marine tourism, marine tourism and energy, AI-based maritime cities, and Incheon's AI industry. Experts discussed the necessity of integrating AI into the shipping industry and the challenges of practical application.
Professor Chinsan Lu from National Taiwan Ocean University presented on 'AI and Global Networks.' He emphasized, "AI-related capabilities have become a crucial factor," noting that reports indicate applying AI to container and terminal operations could reduce costs by 20-30%, with shipping companies potentially cutting operational costs by 5% to as much as 15%."
Professor Lu stressed that the most important factor for companies pursuing AI application is the AI capabilities of their management teams.
Following him, Associate Professor Wei Yim Yap from the National University of Singapore diagnosed the need for establishing data governance to prepare for the AI era. He specifically pointed out the need to address the 'data silo' phenomenon within shipping networks, where data is not shared between companies or organizations, limiting information collection and utilization.
Associate Professor Yap stated, "Global network stakeholders possess vast amounts of data, but the information is fragmented and not integrated. To enhance AI efficiency, addressing the data silo phenomenon is a priority."
Professor Yang Dong from Hong Kong Polytechnic University discussed carbon emissions and the shipping industry's response. He suggested that, with carbon costs expected to increase 20-30 times by 2035, companies should focus on data analysis to reduce costs and respond to carbon neutrality frameworks.
The second day of the forum, July 16, will be designated as 'Incheon Special Day.' In session five, 'AI-Based Maritime Cities,' Professor Kim Do-nyun from Sungkyunkwan University will lead a discussion on 'Future Mobility and Intelligent Maritime Cities in the AI Era.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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