Systems Planning

The laboratory aims to establish systems planning methodologies based on feasibility studies of a wide variety of plans proposed in marine systems engineering field. As its approach, based on system theory and optimization, we are studying planning and work support systems making use of artificial intelligence technology, information technology (IT) and robotics. Since ships are made to order, there is no manufacturing process that mass-produces like automobiles, so there is a problem that robotization of the assembly process is difficult. So we are seeking work support and automation with latest IT and robot technology. As for the design work, although the introduction of 3D-CAD has progressed and the work efficiency has greatly improved, but the work itself depends largely on the skill and experience of experienced technicians. We formulate these design problems as optimization problems, and understand design work by veteran engineers from the viewpoint of optimization theory. And we are working on automating design support and design work combining optimization method and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, we are studying a robot system suitable for doing work at the seabed in preparation for the time when Japan will utilize submarine mineral resources sleeping in exclusive economic zones in the future.