South Korean Navy tests humanoid robot as ship helmsman
· UPIJuly 24 (Asia Today) -- The South Korean Navy conducted its first operational experiment using a humanoid robot as a ship's helmsman, testing whether robots could eventually perform duties now assigned to human crew members.
The Navy said Friday that it carried out the experiment in cooperation with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
The test was intended to explore ways to deploy robots aboard naval vessels as part of the Navy's development of a combined manned-unmanned maritime combat system.
A bridge officer normally issues steering commands while a helmsman operates the ship's wheel to establish and maintain the ordered course.
Pibot, a humanoid robot under development by a KAIST research team led by professor Shim Hyun-chul, performed the helmsman's duties during the experiment.
The Navy and the researchers used a large language model to enable the robot to understand and execute standard ship-handling procedures.
When a bridge watch officer ordered, "Left rudder 5 degrees. Steer course 330," Pibot repeated the command and turned the wheel.
After the simulated vessel stabilized on the ordered heading, the robot reported, "Steady on course 330."
The Navy said Pibot completed the same command acknowledgment, steering and reporting procedures required of a human helmsman.
Four-stage testing program planned
The Navy divided the experiment into four stages.
The first stage uses a land-based ship-handling simulator. The second will test the robot aboard a vessel moored in port.
The third stage will involve daytime navigation at sea and the fourth will test the robot during extended day and nighttime operations.
Thursday's experiment at the Naval Education and Training Command's ship-handling training facility was the first stage.
The test included several simulated operating conditions.
Pibot was required to respond to frequent close-quarters navigation situations and maintain a steady course in rough conditions in which high waves repeatedly pushed the vessel off its heading.
The Navy said the robot followed the watch officer's commands throughout the experiment.
Researchers will analyze the time between receiving an order and completing it, the accuracy of the robot's steering movements and its ease of use by naval personnel.
They will use the findings to identify improvements before proceeding to the three remaining stages.
The Navy said safety and reliability would receive particular attention before Pibot is tested during actual operations at sea.
Navy considers wider role for robots
The Navy plans to examine other duties that robots could perform aboard ships.
It said assigning some repetitive or physically demanding work to robots could reduce sailors' workloads and help address a projected decline in the number of people available for military service because of South Korea's shrinking population.
Rear Adm. Kim Hyung-jun, head of the Navy's Force Analysis, Test and Evaluation Group, said the experiment was the first step in determining whether a robot could perform ship-handling duties without error.
"Ship handling has traditionally been the exclusive responsibility of crew members," Kim said. "Using the results of this experiment, the Navy will explore ways to operate robots aboard ships and respond proactively to the changing defense environment."
Shim said the test provided an opportunity to evaluate whether a humanoid robot powered by physical artificial intelligence could perform the duties of a naval helmsman.
Pibot was originally developed as a humanoid aircraft pilot capable of understanding operating manuals and manipulating cockpit controls designed for humans.
The robot's humanlike form allows it to use existing control panels, switches and steering equipment without requiring extensive modifications to the vessel.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.
Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260724010008847