The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to invest a total of 121 billion won (approximately $91 million) next year into the development of core technologies for physical artificial intelligence (AI), as well as establishing a learning foundation and conducting field demonstrations and expansions. The initiative aims to develop a universal physical AI model and apply it in industrial settings such as logistics to facilitate commercialization.
On October 13, the Ministry unveiled key projects and directions related to physical AI for 2027 during a government-wide briefing at the Physical AI Alliance Day held at COEX in Seoul.
The Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) plans to allocate 55 billion won in national funds for the development of core physical AI technologies. This includes creating a universal foundation model, simulators for real and virtual data-based learning, and technologies for implementing and demonstrating robotic actions with minimal delays. The project will officially commence after gathering feedback at a public hearing next month.
Kim Wook, the IITP's physical AI project manager, stated, "Our goal is to develop a world-class physical AI model that can act like a human and perform various tasks."
The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) is set to invest 40 billion won in establishing a physical AI training center. This center will focus on securing behavioral data necessary for AI training and creating a collaborative platform for technology demonstration and validation. Yoon Han-jong, head of the NIPA's physical AI team, emphasized the need to foster an ecosystem where research institutions, industry, and the public can collaboratively develop robotic technologies.
An additional 26 billion won will be allocated for demonstration and expansion projects that apply developed technologies in industrial settings. This initiative will support securing demonstration cases by applying physical AI in high-demand logistics processes such as sorting, inspection, transportation, and loading. The project is expected to begin in March next year.
The Ministry also discussed public-private partnership strategies to support technology development and field demonstrations. The meeting to review the achievements of the Physical AI Alliance was attended by Minister Baek Kyung-hun and over 20 stakeholders, including Jo Jun-hee, president of the Korea AI and Software Industry Association, and leaders of three major subcommittees and action groups.
The three subcommittee leaders shared their achievements and future directions. The technology full-stack subcommittee proposed securing 'K-Physical AI full-stack' technologies that integrate domestic AI models, semiconductors, software, and robotics capabilities. The industrial bridge subcommittee announced plans to connect demand and supply companies in various sectors, including manufacturing and defense, to identify and promote demonstration and commercialization projects.
Minister Baek emphasized, "Physical AI is a key pillar of our three mega-projects, and it is crucial to determine who can first create and disseminate operational technologies in industrial settings." He added, "Creating a virtuous cycle from technology development to field demonstration, investment, and commercialization is essential. I urge everyone to generate successful cases early to lead to tangible results in becoming a global leader in physical AI."
On October 13, the Ministry unveiled key projects and directions related to physical AI for 2027 during a government-wide briefing at the Physical AI Alliance Day held at COEX in Seoul.
The Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) plans to allocate 55 billion won in national funds for the development of core physical AI technologies. This includes creating a universal foundation model, simulators for real and virtual data-based learning, and technologies for implementing and demonstrating robotic actions with minimal delays. The project will officially commence after gathering feedback at a public hearing next month.
Kim Wook, the IITP's physical AI project manager, stated, "Our goal is to develop a world-class physical AI model that can act like a human and perform various tasks."
The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) is set to invest 40 billion won in establishing a physical AI training center. This center will focus on securing behavioral data necessary for AI training and creating a collaborative platform for technology demonstration and validation. Yoon Han-jong, head of the NIPA's physical AI team, emphasized the need to foster an ecosystem where research institutions, industry, and the public can collaboratively develop robotic technologies.
An additional 26 billion won will be allocated for demonstration and expansion projects that apply developed technologies in industrial settings. This initiative will support securing demonstration cases by applying physical AI in high-demand logistics processes such as sorting, inspection, transportation, and loading. The project is expected to begin in March next year.
The Ministry also discussed public-private partnership strategies to support technology development and field demonstrations. The meeting to review the achievements of the Physical AI Alliance was attended by Minister Baek Kyung-hun and over 20 stakeholders, including Jo Jun-hee, president of the Korea AI and Software Industry Association, and leaders of three major subcommittees and action groups.
The three subcommittee leaders shared their achievements and future directions. The technology full-stack subcommittee proposed securing 'K-Physical AI full-stack' technologies that integrate domestic AI models, semiconductors, software, and robotics capabilities. The industrial bridge subcommittee announced plans to connect demand and supply companies in various sectors, including manufacturing and defense, to identify and promote demonstration and commercialization projects.
Minister Baek emphasized, "Physical AI is a key pillar of our three mega-projects, and it is crucial to determine who can first create and disseminate operational technologies in industrial settings." He added, "Creating a virtuous cycle from technology development to field demonstration, investment, and commercialization is essential. I urge everyone to generate successful cases early to lead to tangible results in becoming a global leader in physical AI."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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