Pusan National University Joins Government-led 'K-Humanoid Alliance', the Nation's Top Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration

Organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy,
Participation from 40 Leading Domestic Universities, Companies, and Institutions
Professor Lee Seungjun's Team to Lead Intelligent Robot Research
as Part of the 'AI Development Group' Dream Team

On the 16th, it was announced that Pusan National University will join the 'K-Humanoid Alliance,' a large-scale investment and cooperation initiative between the government and industry-academia-research institutions, aiming to become a leading nation in humanoid (human-like robot) technology, which is at the core of the next-generation Physical AI era following generative AI.

Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence in the form of robots that move and operate in the real physical world, not limited to software like generative AI.

Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) stated that Professor Lee Seungjun from the Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, participated as an AI expert and signed a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation among participating institutions at the launch ceremony of the 'K-Humanoid Alliance,' which was held on the 10th under the government's initiative with the goal of becoming the world's strongest humanoid nation by 2030.

The launch ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, was attended by Minister Ahn Deokgeun and over 350 representatives from about 40 top domestic universities and companies, including Pusan National University, Seoul National University, POSTECH, Korea University, Rainbow Robotics, SK On, and Samsung Display. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the domestic humanoid industry ecosystem and strengthening technological competitiveness.

The government expects that, through this initiative, investments of over 1 trillion KRW in R&D, funds, and M&A will be made by 2030.

As AI experts predict that the era of physical AI centered on humanoids will follow generative AI, global big tech companies such as Tesla, Amazon, MS, and Nvidia are making massive investments. Chinese companies like Unitree and UBTECH are also experiencing rapid growth with government support.

In contrast, while South Korea has technological capabilities, it currently lacks sufficient investment and manpower. In response, the 'K-Humanoid Alliance' was formed to develop a shared AI model and strengthen ecosystem competitiveness by collaborating with domestic humanoid companies, component manufacturers, demand companies, and universities.

The institutions participating in this agreement will be divided into six specialized groups according to their areas of expertise. Pusan National University will join the 'AI Development Group' dream team, composed of top authorities in robot AI led by Seoul National University's AI Research Institute Director, Professor Jang Byungtak, with Professor Lee Seungjun at the center of Pusan National University's participation.

Professor Lee Seungjun's team at Pusan National University plans to conduct core research on intelligent robots within the 'K-Humanoid Alliance,' leveraging years of intelligent robot research and various experiences in international intelligent robot challenges. Pusan National University, in collaboration with Seoul National University, has previously achieved first place in the home service category at the international RoboCup competition in both 2021 and 2023.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to significantly expand government support and maximize synergy by combining the strengths and capabilities of industry, academia, and research institutions, taking the launch of the 'K-Humanoid Alliance' as an opportunity.