Paek Kyunghoon Visits K-Humanoid Site: "Beyond Demos to Real-World... We Must Build Robots for Industrial Work"

"With Rapid Investment, Korea Can Rival China as a Leading Robotics Nation"
"Changing Research Paradigms Demand 'AI Co-Scientists' in Every Field"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Hwang Kyo-ahn, visited the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 13th and held the hand of the AI humanoid 'KAPEX' at the demonstration event. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Paek Kyunghoon, visited the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) on the 13th to inspect the development site of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) humanoids. He stated, "We must move beyond the demo (demonstration) stage and develop humanoids that can operate in real industrial settings," and added, "Although China is advancing rapidly, if we invest quickly, we too can become a leading robotics nation." This visit was arranged to directly assess the current technological level and gather expert opinions ahead of the government's announcement of the "National Strategy for Science and Technology AI," which is scheduled to be released at the end of this month.

On this day, Deputy Prime Minister Paek observed a demonstration of the Korean AI humanoid "KAPEX," which is being jointly developed by KIST, LG Electronics, and LG AI Research. KAPEX is equipped with LG AI Research's large-scale AI model Exaone, enabling it to learn and adapt autonomously. It is being developed as an "intelligent companion" capable of precise manipulation with a robot hand similar to a human hand. Notably, more than 90% of its components, including actuators for the shoulders and ankles as well as small motors in the hands, are domestically produced.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Hwang Kyo-ahn, is discussing the 'Plan to Revitalize Science and Technology AI' at the '2nd Science and Technology AI Strategic Dialogue' held at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 13th. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

During the demonstration, when Deputy Prime Minister Paek held the robot's hand, the research team explained, "We have significantly improved the autonomy and tactile sensing of the palm for advanced object manipulation," and added, "Our goal is to lay the foundation for physical AI robots that can replace humans in homes and factories."

At the subsequent 2nd "Science and Technology AI Strategy Dialogue," Deputy Prime Minister Paek emphasized that, for Korea to secure competitiveness in physical AI, it is essential to secure large-scale datasets and robot platforms that can operate in real industrial environments. He stated, "The success of humanoids ultimately depends on how well we collect data and establish a diffusion system," and added, "Private companies must invest alongside the government."

Deputy Prime Minister Paek also highlighted the need for global cooperation, referencing his recent discussion with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, who visited Korea. He said, "Nvidia assessed that Korea is the optimal partner for physical AI, as it possesses strengths not only in software but also in manufacturing and hardware." He added, "Although China is advancing rapidly, if we invest with a sense of urgency starting now, we can compete sufficiently." He also mentioned the agreement and MOU in progress with Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and Naver for the supply of 260,000 GPUs, predicting, "Korea's manufacturing base will translate into competitiveness in humanoids."

During the strategy dialogue, Professor Kwon Inso of KAIST stated, "It is important for the government to provide active support so that junior researchers can achieve world-class results." Professor Seok Chaok of Seoul National University, LG AI Research, and NanoposiAI also presented their views on strategies for industrializing science and technology AI based on bio and materials, as well as the development of AI research collaborators.

AI innovation tasks in the field of science and technology were also presented. Deputy Prime Minister Paek remarked, "I find myself questioning whether Korea has sufficiently prepared to win a Nobel Prize," and emphasized, "Investment in basic research alone is not enough; as the research paradigm itself has changed, we now need to create 'AI Co-Scientists' in each field."