SonyD Subsidiary DefenseKorea Exhibits AI Combat Robot at 'Seoul ADEX 2023'

Sonid subsidiary Defense Korea (CEO Choi Seong-hoon) announced on the 18th that it showcased an AI-equipped combat robot at ‘Seoul ADEX 2023’ (Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition). Defense Korea is directly manufacturing robots and firearms at its factory established in Gyeonggi Province.

Recently, Defense Korea was granted the authority by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense company Calidus to promote business opportunities, including marketing and offset trade obligations for military equipment within Korea, and jointly participated in Seoul ADEX 2023 by opening a ‘UAE-exclusive exhibition hall’.

The AI combat robot exhibited at this event was equipped with assault rifles HK416 (5.56mm), medium firearms MK 20 SSR (7.62mm), anti-materiel sniper rifles M82/M107 (12.7mm), M4 Super 90 shotgun, and a recoilless 5-shot grenade launcher system (40mm). Each firearm featured an optical camera capable of individual target designation and aiming.

Through mounts capable of absorbing recoil from various firearms, the robot’s lifespan is not compromised, and a highly compatible universal firearm mount was developed and applied, allowing even domestically produced K series rifles to be equipped.

The firearms can be aimed and fired through scopes and cameras, and by incorporating AI, the robot can quickly recognize humans. Equipped with an IR (thermal) camera, it can perform various operations at night, and security was enhanced by applying TnGEN’s KCMVP encryption module.

Defense Korea’s AI combat robot is also equipped with a robotic arm capable of lifting explosives and obstacles weighing approximately 70kg. It boasts excellent rough terrain mobility at a speed of 10 km/h and can operate continuously for 6 hours with a large battery installed.

Choi Seong-hoon, CEO of Defense Korea, stated, “As interest in combat robots that can replace troops on the modern battlefield grows, preserving and substituting combat power using robots is becoming an essential element of advanced defense capabilities. We will contribute to enabling the Korean government to conduct strategic military exchanges with the UAE through cooperation with Calidus.”