Accompanying President on State Visit, Visits US Robot Subsidiary
"Expecting Collaboration to Strengthen Robot Companies' Competitiveness and Create Markets"
Lee Chang-yang, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited Boston Dynamics in Massachusetts on the 28th (local time), the company announced on the 30th.
Minister Lee accompanied President Yoon Suk-yeol on his state visit to the United States. Boston Dynamics is considered a key affiliate in Hyundai Motor Group's development of advanced robots. Mark Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics and head of the Robot AI Lab, along with Jason Piorillo, Chief Legal Officer, welcomed Minister Lee and his delegation.
Minister Lee Chang-yang of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, visiting Boston Dynamics in the United States, is observing a demonstration of the humanoid robot Atlas in action. Boston Dynamics is regarded as a representative success story of the advanced technology alliance between Korea and the U.S. Founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the company has gained attention for its innovative robot development. It is recognized for its world-class technology in essential areas for robot operation such as autonomous driving, perception, and control.
Minister Lee and his delegation received explanations and observed demonstrations of the company’s representative robot models including Spot, Atlas, and Stretch. Spot is a quadruped robot capable of performing exploration missions in environments difficult for humans to access. When equipped with the Spot Arm, it can grasp or move objects. It is also used domestically at Kia factories and Hyundai Construction work sites. Atlas is a humanoid robot with a form similar to the human body, and Stretch is a collaborative logistics robot that autonomously moves heavy objects.
Minister Lee said, "I am pleased to visit Boston Dynamics, an excellent example of Korea-U.S. advanced robotics technology cooperation," adding, "I look forward to various collaborations between the government and companies to strengthen the competitiveness of robot companies, create markets, and establish global bases."
Boston Dynamics' quadruped robot Spot welcomed Lee Chang-yang, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. From the left in the photo: Jason Fiorillo, Chief Legal Officer of Boston Dynamics, Minister Lee, Mark Raibert, Founder A company official stated, "Long-term investment and support at the government level are important to promote robot development and industry," and added, "We expect support from the Korean government in connection with Hyundai Motor Group’s plans to expand its robotics business."
Our government announced last month its plan to nurture the robotics industry as a future core national growth engine. Minister Lee’s visit to this company is also interpreted as an effort to observe domestic and international trends. It is reported that he showed interest in the role that the company’s advanced technology will play in Hyundai Motor Group’s overall robotics business. Hyundai Motor Group is developing robots with commercialization in mind across various business sectors, including finished vehicles.
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