AI Expo Opens at COEX in Hwaseong on the 18th
Cutting-edge Technologies Unveiled
Upon entering Hall C at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, where 'MARS 2025' opened on the 18th, visitors are greeted by the humanoid robot 'Ameca' in a friendly voice. 'Ameca' responds to a variety of questions from visitors, mixing in light gestures and continuing conversations naturally.
At the AI Expo 'MARS 2025' hosted by Hwaseong City, which opened on the 18th at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Mayor Jeong Myunggeun of Hwaseong City is conversing with the humanoid robot 'Ameca.' Provided by Hwaseong City
Developed by the UK-based robotics company Engineered Arts, 'Ameca' was recognized as "the most human-like robot" at CES2025. This is the first time Ameca is being showcased in Korea.
'MARS 2025' is a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) expo that has drawn attention as the first of its kind to be hosted by a basic local government, Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province.
The main attraction at the event is 'URBAN AI,' located at the center of the exhibition. Here, Hwaseong City is introducing various AI-based administrative services being implemented in city governance. The space allows visitors to experience elderly care services, urban outdoor autonomous AI patrol robots, and advanced control systems. The city also presented customized rehabilitation services utilizing wearable robots.
The 'Urban Outdoor Autonomous AI Patrol Robot' introduced by Hwaseong City at 'MARS 2025'. Photo by Jeong Dohwan
Hyundai Motor Group set up separate booths for 'Robotics Lab' and 'Kia,' unveiling a range of AI technologies.
At the Robotics Lab booth, six types of software technologies were showcased, including an 'intelligent CCTV' with video analysis capabilities, an 'on-device VLM' that converts information recognized by cameras into human language, the facial recognition system 'Facey,' the AI-based delivery robot 'DAL-e Delivery,' the service guide robot 'DAL-e,' and the robot control system 'NARCHON.' Hyundai Motor Group also exhibited Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot dog 'SPOT,' which combines the Robotics Lab's autonomous driving module.
At the Kia booth, the mid-size electric sedan 'EV4,' equipped with generative AI, and the company's first purpose-built vehicle (PBV), 'PV5,' attracted the attention of visitors.
AI technologies from companies with potential for integration into local government administration were also notable at the exhibition. A prime example is the 'AI Care Platform' presented by Hyodol Co., Ltd. This company has developed a care robot doll modeled after a child, which not only enables conversations with the elderly but also checks their health status in real time and connects to an emergency control center if danger is detected.
Hyodol Co., Ltd. showcased an AI care platform at 'MARS 2025' that enables conversations with the elderly through a robot doll and can detect dangers in real time. Photo by Doohwan Jung
Intellivix, a company specializing in generative vision AI, introduced an AI monitoring system that integrates various technologies such as AI video analysis, virtual memory storage system (VMS), and geographic information system (GIS). According to a company representative, this system enables the automatic detection of incidents such as fires, traffic accidents, and pedestrian falls, allowing for swift response.
During his keynote speech following the opening ceremony, Dennis Hong, professor at UCLA, emphasized, "While AI exists in cyberspace, physical embodiments?robots?are necessary for it to operate in the real world. The integration of AI and robotics is essential for the intelligence of a city to function in practice."
In his opening address, Jeong Myunggeun, mayor of Hwaseong, stated, "'MARS 2025' is a declaration of Hwaseong City's ambition to become an AI city and a stage that demonstrates the strong will of local governments to lead innovation in the AI era. Through this event, Hwaseong will serve as the foundation for building an AI superpower and grow into a hub city for global cooperation."
At the opening ceremony of 'MARS 2025,' Jeong Myunggeun, mayor of Hwaseong, is delivering the opening address. Provided by Hwaseong City
The opening ceremony was attended by Lee Hakyoung, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Ko Youngin, Vice Governor for Economy of Gyeonggi Province; Choi Minhee, Chair of the National Assembly Broadcasting and Communications Committee; National Assembly members Kwon Chilsung, Lee Junseok, Chung Dongyoung, Seo Youngkyo, Kim Jongmin, Yeom Taeyoung, Kim Seonghoe, Kwon Hyangyeop, Kim Moonsu, and Park Mingyu; Bae Jeongsu, Chair of Hwaseong City Council; Choi Kyungju, Deputy Mayor of Seongbuk District; Min Seonsik, Deputy Mayor of Namwon City; and others. Representatives from major domestic and international companies such as Amazon Web Services, ASML, Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung Electronics, LG Uplus, and Shinsegae Property also attended the event.
'MARS 2025,' which runs through the 20th, features 224 booths and a forum event with 43 speakers over three days.
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