Deputy Prime Minister Paik Kyunghun Visits KIST to Review Next-Generation AI Humanoid Research: "National Science and Technology AI Strategy to Be Announced by Month-End"

KIST and LG Demonstrate Korean AI Humanoid "KAPEX"

Paik Kyunghun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News

On November 13, Paik Kyunghun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, visited the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to tour the development site of artificial intelligence (AI) humanoids and discuss the direction of science and technology-AI policy with experts from industry, academia, and research institutes. As the government’s announcement of the “National Science and Technology AI Strategy” scheduled for the end of this month approaches its final stages, this visit was intended to hear directly from those on the ground.

The visit began with a demonstration of “KAPEX,” a Korean AI humanoid currently being co-developed by KIST, LG Electronics, and LG AI Research Institute. KAPEX is the first AI humanoid platform in Korea jointly developed by a government-funded research institute and a major corporation, aiming to secure independent capabilities that surpass Tesla’s “Optimus” and China’s Unitree “G1.” Equipped with LG’s large-scale AI model “Exaone,” KAPEX is designed as an “intelligent companion” that can learn and adapt autonomously, and perform a variety of tasks using a sophisticated robotic hand that closely mimics human hand movements.

Paik encouraged the research team, which has developed over 90% of core components such as high-output full-body actuators, and urged them to “enhance the technological completeness so that AI humanoids can be rapidly deployed in real industrial settings such as households, logistics, and manufacturing.”

During the “2nd Science and Technology AI Strategic Dialogue” held afterward, experts discussed the role of science and technology AI in accelerating research and development (R&D) innovation and its potential industrial impact. Participants included Professor Kwon Inso of KAIST, Professor Seok Chaok of Seoul National University, Han Sehee, Head of Lab at LG AI Research Institute, Lee Minhyeong, CEO of Astheromorph, and Bae Jaewon, CTO of NanoposAI. The experts agreed that science and technology AI not only increases research efficiency but can also grow into a new industrial sector that creates high added value.

Paik stated, “The government will accelerate the development of science and technology AI foundation models and AI research companion platforms in highly competitive fields such as bio and materials, driving innovation throughout the entire R&D cycle. We will complete the National Science and Technology AI Strategy by the end of this month, reflecting expert opinions, and push forward with a sense of urgency.”