<산업차관 "로봇, 수출동력으로 키운다" 업계 "자율주행로봇 규제개선"> Industry Vice Minister: "Robots to be Developed as Export Engines" Industry Calls for "Autonomous Robot Regulation Improvement"

Inauguration Ceremony of the 'Robot Council' Chaired by Jang Young-jin, 1st Vice Minister of Industry, on the 21st

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that First Vice Minister Jang Young-jin will preside over the kickoff meeting of the 'Advanced Robot Strategy Council' on the afternoon of the 21st at Bundang Doosan Tower in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

The Ministry stated that the meeting is being held to strengthen public-private consultations in order to prepare the 'Advanced Robot Industry Strategy 1.0.' The meeting will discuss strategies to practically support the robot industry.

Participants include the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement, Doosan Robotics, LG Electronics, KT, Neuromeka, Robotis, and Komotech.

First Vice Minister Jang Young-jin said, "Robots are foundational technologies that integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and advanced semiconductors," adding, "Industrial robots increase productivity, help resolve labor shortages, and reduce industrial accidents, thus creating a triple benefit." He continued, "It is time to establish a robot strategy to nurture the robot industry as a future export growth engine."

Jang Young-jin, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The meeting attendees agreed on the need to develop a new support strategy to create domestic and international demand and strengthen ecosystem competitiveness. They noted that domestic demand is low, there is a shortage of specialized personnel, and related laws and regulations are insufficient, resulting in high uncertainty.

In particular, they appealed to the government that various service businesses using autonomous robots are delayed due to regulations.

Students from Sagok High School in Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, experiencing LG Electronics' CLOi robot.
[Photo by LG Electronics]

Vice Minister Jang said, "This strategy plans to include strengthening the manufacturing capabilities of domestic robot companies, expanding the distribution of robots in key sectors such as 3D industries, and establishing a national robot test field to create a robot-friendly environment," adding, "We plan to announce the 'Robot Regulation Innovation Roadmap 2.0' next month, reflecting industry demands."

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that it will actively communicate with the industry and incorporate policy suggestions as much as possible to prepare the strategy promptly, using the launch of the council as an opportunity.