KAIST demonstrated mobile harbor technology at sea from Busan Korea Marine University. Developed as one of the many Mobile Harbor technologies, the automatic docking system connects two large vessels quickly while preventing collisions. The need for this technology has been emphasized for a long time, but due to the limit of technological development it was not commercialized.

The KAIST Mobile Harbor Research Group developed the Mobile Harbor with robot technology as a foundation in cooperation with Mirae Industrial Machines and Ocean Space, professional companies at tools and equipment of the ocean. The Harbor is a complex system composed of robot arm, vacuum pad, winch, and fender. KAIST has been working on Mobile Harbor since 2009, pushing it ahead as a futuristic project.

The purpose for developing the Mobile Harbor Project is to create an effective method for meeting the needs of container ships which are increasing in size and number. Also, construction of new ports is required due to the increasing number of cargo. However, Mobile Harbor does not require ports. In fact, one of the goals for initiating the Mobile Harbor Project was to replace and expand functions of the existing container ports, minimizing the need for port construction and expansion. Other goals include creating an environmentally friendly cargo transport solution and reducing the burden of overland cargo transports. Also, KAIST seeks to achieve competitiveness by creating a maritime cargo transport system, innovating a new market and introducing high quality business items for the ocean systems industry.
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On June 29, KAIST will demonstrate a combination of crane technology and the automatic docking system. It is expected to load and unload cargo both safely and precisely. Experts from across the globe and the U.S. Office of Naval Research are expected to attend the rehearsal.