The Ministry of Industry, the Army, and Hyundai Motor Group are expanding the application of robots and physical artificial intelligence (AI) in the defense sector. They aim to establish a collaborative system that quickly tests advanced civilian technologies in military settings, linking them to actual product purchases and military readiness.
On August 14, the Ministry of Industry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Army and Hyundai Motor Group in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, to enhance the use of robots, physical AI, and advanced technologies in defense. This MOU is part of the government's three major mega-projects, focusing on applying physical AI in the defense sector and increasing the adoption of defense robots.
The initiative aims to reduce the workload of soldiers by deploying robots for dangerous or repetitive support tasks. The agreement includes civil-military cooperation for research and development of defense robots and physical AI, establishing testing environments, and expanding demonstrations through equipment and personnel support. The introduction of robots in areas such as surveillance, reconnaissance, sustained support, and logistics will also be increased.
Each organization has defined its role. The Ministry of Industry will support the technological development and testing of defense robots and provide policy support to connect robot companies' technologies with military needs. Hyundai Motor Group will supply the necessary personnel and technology for robot development and testing, incorporating feedback from soldiers into product development. The Army will provide military facilities, such as field units and training institutions, as test beds for technology validation and will support the related environment to ensure stable testing operations.
The Ministry of Industry is currently supporting demonstrations of patrol robots, cleaning and cooking robots, and logistics robots through its 'Intelligent Robot Distribution Expansion Project.' The Army has been providing field units and educational institutions as test beds. The three organizations plan to expand robot demonstration and distribution projects into various areas, including patrol and surveillance.
Before the signing ceremony, a meeting chaired by Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyu-ha discussed the application of physical AI technology in defense and civil-military cooperation tasks.
Lee Min-woo, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industry's Industrial Growth Office, stated, 'The government will promote domestic robot production by creating public demand in defense, public safety, and disaster response. We will closely cooperate with the military to ensure that the results of demonstrations in the defense sector lead to actual product purchases and military readiness.'
Army Vice Chief of Staff Choi Jang-sik emphasized, 'For physical AI to translate into actual combat power, it is crucial to quickly validate advanced technologies in the field and reflect the results in technology development and systems. We will accelerate the application of technologies needed for future battlefields and hasten the transition to a high-tech military.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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