Professor Hui Sung Lee Awarded the Commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy!

Professor Hui Sung Lee from the Department of Design at UNIST has been awarded commendation by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) at the ‘58th Invention Day Ceremony‘. This recognition was conferred in light of Professor Lee’s contribution to the development of key technologies in automation, electronic control, and personal mobility. Specifically, his work on smart control and autonomous driving systems for automobiles has been instrumental in advancing these fields.

To date, Professor Lee has registered 76 domestic patents, 28 U.S. patents, and 25 domestic designs in related fields. Many of these have been incorporated into actual products and sold commercially. One notable example is the “knock-type sliding door” used in vehicles. Additionally, he played a significant role in the development of smart keys that enable car doors to be locked and unlocked via smartphones.

The award also recognizes Professor Lee’s efforts towards strengthening the research capabilities of small and medium-sized companies. He has collaborated with such enterprises to transfer technologies related to portable clothing dryers, body type correction devices, and air purifiers while striving to secure markets for these innovations.

Professor Hui Sung Lee (Department of Design, UNIST) was awarded the MOTIE Commendation by Commissioner Insil Lee of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) at the 58th Invention Day on May 12, 2023. l Image Credit: UNIST Department of Design

“I believe that inventions aimed at improving real-life situations have received positive feedback,” remarked Professor Lee. “Moving forward, our research efforts will be directed towards the development of single-person mobility solutions and social service robots to assist those who are socially disadvantaged.”

Professor Lee has also been acknowledged for his contributions to future automobile-related technologies. He was awarded the Ulsan Mayor’s Award on Ulsan Automobile Day in 2021, and in 2020, he received a gold medal from the Commissioner of Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) for his participation in an invention contest, hosted by the Ulsan Knowledge Industry Center.

Meanwhile, the 58th Invention Day Ceremony was held at COEX Auditorium in Samsung-dong, Seoul, with President Yoon Suk Yeol in attendance. During the ceremony, 11 Meritorious Citations and Awards were presented, along with 9 Presidential Commendations, 9 Prime Minister’s Commendations, 19 Commendations from the Minister of MOTIE, 14 Commendations from the Commissioner of KIPO, and 4 Commendations from the President of Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA).