The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea announced on November 4 that Lee Jong-won, head of the Humanoid Research Team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has been selected as the recipient of the National Science and Technology Award for November. His research team developed the Korean AI humanoid 'KAPEX' using domestic technology, including joint movement devices, sensors, and artificial intelligence, and transferred key technologies to LG Electronics.
Under Lee's leadership, the research team created KAPEX by integrating actuators that mimic human muscles, mechanisms that represent bones and joints, sensors for perception, and artificial intelligence as the brain. KAPEX utilizes small, lightweight actuators that fit within the size of human joints, capable of generating up to 300 Nm of torque. The design also incorporates complex joints modeled after human muscle and bone structures.
The humanoid features a seven-degree-of-freedom leg joint structure that precisely controls movements of the toes and ankles, allowing it to maintain balance while carrying loads exceeding 20 kg. The research team optimized the actuator, joint, and control technologies, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the humanoid by more than double compared to previous models.
Commercialization efforts are underway. In September 2025, the research team transferred key technologies of KAPEX to LG Electronics. Subsequently, they established a collaborative network involving companies, universities, and hospitals, including LG Electronics (platform), LG AI Research (artificial intelligence), LG Energy Solution (batteries), and Robostar (mass production). The team plans to conduct demonstrations of the humanoid working in real-life environments such as hospitals and public facilities.
Lee holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology and has researched physical AI and wearable robots. He holds 55 registered patents overseas and has completed two technology transfers.
Lee stated, "This research is significant in establishing a foundation for the domestic robot industry ecosystem through the development of a Korean AI humanoid platform. In the future, we will continue to secure global competitiveness for AI humanoid technologies that assist people in various fields such as manufacturing, logistics, and caregiving through public-private collaboration."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.