The government plans to purchase and deploy over 1,700 artificial intelligence (AI) robots next year for high-risk areas such as fire and rescue operations, as well as industries facing severe labor shortages. The goal is to establish a physical AI market by distributing a total of 200,000 robots through public-private partnerships by 2030.
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo chaired the 9th National Advanced Strategic Industry Committee meeting at the Government Seoul Complex on September 30, stating, "It is crucial to quickly establish an initial market for the AI robot industry and enhance industrial competitiveness. The government will actively support market expansion through field demonstrations and the creation of public demand."
Han added, "By 2030, we will distribute 200,000 robots through public-private collaboration and swiftly apply physical AI-based innovative services for public safety and industrial sites."
Initially, the government plans to deploy robots in high-risk areas, including fire and rescue, mail sorting, and foundational industries facing labor shortages. The government will directly purchase and distribute over 1,700 robots in sectors where citizens can feel the changes.
Starting in 2028, public enterprises and local governments will also expand the distribution of public robots. The private sector will receive purchase subsidies and rental support, along with improvements to related regulations to facilitate autonomous robot adoption by companies.
During the meeting, the designation of new specialized zones for robotics, defense, and secondary battery industries was also discussed. The government has previously designated and operated 12 specialized zones across four industries, including semiconductors and biotechnology.
Han emphasized, "The designation of these specialized zones is significant for enhancing the global competitiveness of advanced industries, supporting corporate investment and innovation, and fostering regional industrial ecosystems while promoting balanced regional development."
The meeting also addressed adjustments to the protection scope of semiconductor image sensor technologies among national advanced strategic technologies. Currently, the government manages 19 technologies across six industries, including semiconductors and displays, designated as national advanced strategic technologies due to their significant impact on national and economic security.
Han stated, "We will ensure that technologies requiring protection are adequately safeguarded, while reasonably adjusting the protection scope for general technologies to reflect changes in technological development and industry burdens, thereby reducing the burden on companies."
Meanwhile, the government is implementing a special law for the semiconductor industry and is promoting the introduction of domestic production tax credits to strengthen the domestic industrial supply chain. It also plans to enhance government-wide support to ensure that the 'three mega projects' announced in June lead to concrete investments and industrial outcomes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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