A forum was convened in Ulsan with the purpose of exploring strategies for manufacturing transformation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Organized jointly by UNIST and Ulsan Metropolitan City, the ‘Global Manufacturing Innovation Forum 2023‘ took place at the Industry-University Convergence Campus of UNIST on October 5, 2023. This annual international forum serves as a platform for establishing a global network, following Ulsan’s designation as the World Economic Forum’s manufacturing innovation hub city (AM Hub) in 2020.
The forum centered its discussions on advanced manufacturing process technology, with a particular focus on 3D printing technology. Its objective was to identify breakthroughs in manufacturing technology that can effectively adapt to the changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. Esteemed scholars and industry experts from both domestic and international backgrounds were in attendance to share the latest research trends in 3D printing technology and its application in industrial settings.
The lineup of academic speakers included UNIST Professor Lim Sung-hoon, Chung Im-du, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Professor Moon Seung-ki, MIT Professor Kwanghun Chung, and Professor Conrad S. Tucker and Professor Moise Busogi from Carnegie Mellon University.
During his presentation, Professor Sunghoon Lim discussed the capabilities and future prospects of Ulsan as a global manufacturing hub. Professors Im Doo Jung, Professor Sungki Moon, and Professor Kwanghun Chung delved into topics such as the convergence of artificial intelligence and 3D printing, biological tissue 3D printing, and the application of digital twins in 3D printing-based smart factories, respectively.
The forum also featured lectures that examined the practical application and potential of 3D printing technology in industrial settings. Director Sungchan Ahn from the Engine & Machinery Research Institute at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., and Project Leader Han Jae Kim from Hyundai Automobile discussed the ‘Trends and Outlook of 3D Printing in Heavy Industries’ and ‘Trends and Forecast of 3D Printing in Future Mobility,’ respectively.
Furthermore, Professor Namhun Kim from UNIST and Professor Paulo Bartolo from NTU introduced the advanced 3D printing research centers at their respective institutions. Professor Bartolo heads the SC3DP center, a national 3D printing laboratory in Singapore, while Professor Kim leads the 3D printing convergence technology center.
On the same day, UNIST and SC3DP solidified their commitment to establishing a joint laboratory in early 2024 and collaborating on the development of advanced technologies in the field of 3D printing by signing a joint research agreement.
In his welcoming speech, Vice President Jaiyong Lee of UNIST expressed that “The evolving technological landscape presents an opportunity for Ulsan, the capital of the manufacturing industry in Korea, to assume a leadership role on the global stage.” He further added, “UNIST will spare no effort in driving innovation in the manufacturing industry, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence.”
Vice Mayor of the Economy of Ulsan Metropolitan City, Hyo Dae An, stated, “We will actively support relevant sectors to foster innovation in traditional manufacturing through the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and enhance the competitiveness of Ulsan’s primary industries.”
