The KIMM School Nurtures Talent Leading Manufacturing Innovation through Digital Twin Technology

- 8 PhDs and 2 Masters Graduated at UST 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremony -

- AI-based Digital Twin Research Experience in Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing Systems Leads to Employment at Samsung SDI -

□ Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) (President Seok-Hyun Ryu) announced that 8 PhD and 2 Master's graduates from the KIMM School were awarded their degrees at the 'UST 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremony' held at the UST university headquarters auditorium on the 20th (Thursday). These graduates, who gained valuable research experience at KIMM, are ready to begin their careers and lead industrial innovation as creative and convergent talents.

□ The UST-KIMM School provides research-based problem-solving education, aiming to cultivate talent that can immediately contribute to industrial and research fields, based on traditional mechanical engineering. This year's graduates gained extensive research experience in various fields, including nanomechatronics, robotics/manufacturing equipment, and environmental energy mechanical engineering at KIMM.

□ Notably, Anton Nailevich Gafurov, a graduate of the Nanomechatronics integrated master's and PhD program, secured a position at Samsung SDI, becoming the first foreign student from UST-KIMM School to join a major domestic company. Anton conducted AI-based digital twin research for roll-to-roll manufacturing systems, which are used in printed electronics, under the guidance of Dr. Taek-Min Lee at the KIMM Secondary Battery Equipment Research Lab.

□ Anton expressed, “Working with Dr. Taek-Min Lee and the research team at the Department of Advanced Battery Manufacturing Systems was an invaluable experience. Through research closely linked to the actual industrial requirements, I was able to enhance my research capabilities in effectively utilizing AI technology in manufacturing processes, which led to my employment at Samsung SDI." He further shared, "I will strive to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies at Samsung SDI and grow into a global expert in the digital twin field.”

(Left photo) Anton, a KIMM School graduate from the KIMM Dept. of Advanced Battery Manufacturing Systems (left), and Dr. Taek-Min Lee, Dept. Head (right).

(Right photo) Anton Nailevich Gafurov explaining digital twin technology.

□ Professor Hyun-Ui Lim, the representative professor of KIMM School, stated, “UST graduates from KIMM are actively engaged in various industries, academia, and research institutions worldwide, including countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan. KIMM School will continue to serve as a stepping stone for future scientists and global talents to take their brilliant first steps within the large organization of KIMM.”