The leading South Korean firms specializing in robotics, along with experts in artificial intelligence and governmental entities, have united to create customized humanoid robots designed for the nation’s industrial sector. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy disclosed on April 10th the initiation of the “K-Humanoid Alliance,” an alliance involving over forty local robotics producers, parts providers, and academic-research centers. During this inaugural gathering, all attending parties endorsed a mutual agreement committing them to work together towards advancing humanoid AI technologies collaboratively.
A dozen robotics firms have entered into this pact, featuring notable entities like Rainbow Robotics—which was acquired by Samsung Electronics—as well as HD Hyundai Robotics, dominating South Korea’s industrial robotic sector, alongside Doosan Robotics. Additionally, the country’s leading three battery producers—LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI—are participating to advance humanoid robots’ power sources. Semiconductor corporations, including Rebellions and DEEPX, also contributed their involvement.
Fifteen prominent South Korean experts in robotics and artificial intelligence from top institutions such as Seoul National University, led by Professor Jang Byung-tak, have joined an upcoming initiative. Beginning in the latter part of this year, these specialists will spearhead the creation of a “robot AI foundational model” designed to serve as the core operating system for humanoid robots tailored specifically for Korea. The participating organizations are anticipated to aid the endeavor by providing their robot hardware or exclusive data sets to assist the AI developers. Additionally, seven more enterprises, including LG Electronics and CJ Logistics—who intend to incorporate humanoids into crucial manufacturing stages—are set to lend their support to this venture.
Humanoid robots, engineered to mimic human appearance and operations, come fitted with advanced AI systems that enable them to make decisions and act independently. These machines are anticipated to be pivotal components in future manufacturing processes. Despite having robust expertise in robotic machinery production, South Korea has been criticized for not matching up to the levels of investment and personnel allocation seen in the U.S. and China when it comes to developing standalone robot AI technology and integrating software with hardware. This collaboration between governmental bodies, businesses, and educational institutions aims at bridging this technological divide via collaborative initiatives.
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun stated, “The market for humanoid robots is expected to expand from $1.5 billion in 2025 to $38 billion by 2035—an astounding growth of twenty-five times within the coming ten years. Given how closely tied this development is to the future global competitiveness of our manufacturing industry, we need to hasten our endeavors to stay ahead internationally.”
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