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https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/path/A2025041017450002094
By Lee Gyu-lee
The global race to develop humanoid robots is heating up like never before, especially with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence advancing the technology.
Amid the fierce competition, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy launched the K-Humanoid Alliance, Thursday, bringing together leading robotics experts, scholars and companies. The alliance is expected to attract over 1 trillion won ($685.12 million) in investments by 2030.
�쏻e are now entering a wave of AI innovation going beyond generative AI into physical concept. (Global) Big Tech companies have fully entered the humanoid competition, which is becoming the next AI battlefield �� This industry is directly connected to the future competitiveness in the manufacturing industry, so it�셲 a crucial opportunity for our economic growth,�� Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun said in his opening remarks at the alliance�셲 launching ceremony in Seoul, Thursday.
�쏤ortunately, we possess a strong manufacturing portfolio that is essential for humanoids �� While our companies and talent are already demonstrating excellence in global robotics competitions with superior technology, this alliance�셲 launch marks the starting point for consolidating our potential to bring our humanoid aspirations into reality.��
The alliance comprises about 40 companies, including robotics companies such as Rainbow Robotics and AeiROBOT and robotic components suppliers, like Samsung SDI and DEEPX, and academic institutions such as KAIST, Seoul National University and POSTECH.
The alliance will work together toward five initiatives: jointly developing AI robot models, humanoid core technology and its components like AI semiconductors and mobility batteries, nurturing innovative companies and experts and strengthening cooperation between suppliers and clients.
The minister explained that the government will support the alliance to meet the five goals, including financial assistance for related research and development.
�쏷o catch up with global Big Tech companies, corporates need to unite their strengths through allocation and cooperation to maximize synergy �� The government will prioritize R&D support for collaborative projects while expanding platforms for technical exchange through showcases, seminars and competitions,�� the minister said.
He added that the government will also focus on providing support to aspiring students pursuing the humanoid robotics field.
�쏷he key players at DeepSeek were young people. Discovering and developing experts is a core asset to grow competitiveness in the humanoid industry,�� he said.
�쏷he government will revitalize internships, counseling and educational programs, and actively support funding and consulting needed for research activities so that excellent students can fully demonstrate their potential. Additionally, we plan to establish a humanoid fund within this year to support and help reduce risks for robotics startups.��