Kyu-Yeul Lee

About

Kyu-Yeul Lee is a pioneering researcher in the field of robotic automation for shipbuilding, with a particular focus on intelligent welding systems and mobile robotics for hazardous maritime environments. His work has fundamentally advanced the safety and efficiency of shipbuilding operations, most notably through the development of autonomous robotic systems capable of navigating and welding within the confined, dangerous double-hull structures of ships — environments far too perilous for consistent manual labor. Lee's most cited work, "Development and application of an intelligent welding robot system for shipbuilding" (2010, 95 citations), exemplifies his broader mission to replace dangerous manual welding with sophisticated autonomous alternatives. His contributions extend across seam-tracking algorithms, mobile robotic platforms such as the landmark RRX3 rail runner, collision-free torch path generation, and intuitive operator interfaces via PDA-based teaching pendants. He has also expanded into autonomous blast cleaning systems, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to ship maintenance robotics. Collectively, his ten most-cited papers have accumulated over 350 citations, reflecting significant influence within robotics, marine engineering, and industrial automation communities. Lee's body of work stands as a cornerstone reference for researchers and engineers seeking to advance safe, intelligent automation in one of the world's most demanding industrial environments.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Development and application of an intelligent welding robot system for shipbuilding

   95 citations · 2010
2. 2
   A new seam-tracking algorithm through characteristic-point detection for a portable welding robot

   64 citations · 2011
3. 3
   Development of a mobile robotic system for working in the double-hulled structure of a ship

   48 citations · 2009
4. 4
   Development of a mobile welding robot for double-hull structures in shipbuilding

   32 citations · 2010
5. 5
   Design of a teaching pendant program for a mobile shipbuilding welding robot using a PDA

   26 citations · 2009
6. 6
   Self-traveling robotic system for autonomous abrasive blast cleaning in double-hulled structures of ships

   21 citations · 2010
7. 7
   Development and application of a novel rail runner mechanism for double hull structures of ships

   19 citations · 2008
8. 8
   Workspace analysis to generate a collision-free torch path for a ship welding robot

   17 citations · 2009
9. 9
   Rail Running Mobile Welding Robot ‘RRX3’ for Double Hull Ship Structure

   15 citations · 2008
10. 10
    Development of the end-effector measurement system for a 6-axis welding robot

    14 citations · 2010

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links