Gyeongnam Province is accelerating the development of a smart logistics equipment industry utilizing artificial intelligence and robotics, based on its Tri-Port logistics framework that integrates ports, airports, and railways.
The plan aims to connect the demand for equipment arising from the expansion of major logistics infrastructure, such as Jinhae New Port, with the technology development and production capabilities of local manufacturing companies, supporting everything from localization of key components to demonstration and commercialization.
According to Gyeongnam Province, over 60 representatives from businesses, universities, and research institutions attended the '2026 Smart Logistics Equipment Industry Development Forum' held on October 28 at the Grand Mercure Ambassador Changwon, where they discussed technology development and field application strategies for AI and robotics-based logistics equipment.
Hosted by Gyeongnam Province and co-organized by Gyeongnam Techno Park and Inje University, the forum aimed to share automation technologies in port and manufacturing settings and explore market entry strategies and cooperation between industry, academia, and research.
The core of Gyeongnam's industrial development strategy is the integration of the Tri-Port logistics framework with local manufacturing. The province sees the distribution of manufacturing companies capable of developing and producing equipment in areas where logistics infrastructure, such as Jinhae New Port and Gadeokdo New Airport, is expanding as a competitive advantage.
In particular, the high-capacity autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) differ from smaller robots used in general manufacturing settings, as they are designed to transport large cargo. Therefore, securing facilities for performance verification and field application is crucial.
A Gyeongnam official noted in a phone interview that the province's differentiating factor lies in the proximity of logistics equipment demand sources and production companies, allowing for a seamless connection from technology development to production, demonstration, and supply.
The province is supporting the localization of key components and the acquisition of technology by related companies to respond to the demand for port automation equipment arising from the development of Jinhae New Port.
It is anticipated that autonomous mobile robots will be utilized for tasks that are difficult or hazardous to perform with human labor during port operations, and the application of automation equipment will be expanded around new port facilities. However, the actual scale of equipment introduction and timing of orders may vary depending on port development and operational plans, leaving the process of commercializing technology development as a future challenge.
A key project being pursued by Gyeongnam is the establishment of a high-capacity autonomous mobile vehicle testing center in the Myeongdong Industrial Complex in Gimhae.
According to provincial officials, this project was selected for a government public offering in 2024 and has a total budget of 26.9 billion won, including 25 billion won in cash and 1.9 billion won in in-kind contributions from Gimhae City.
Currently, a consortium of 11 companies is developing key components for logistics equipment, including reducers, sensors, battery thermal management systems, and control software.
The components developed by each company will be applied to actual equipment, and their driving performance and field applicability will be verified at the testing facility. The province aims to complete the center next year and plans to continue supporting demonstration projects and companies after the facility is established. The establishment of the testing center also addresses the lack of demonstration facilities for domestic equipment manufacturers.
A Gyeongnam official explained that domestic equipment manufacturers, such as Hyundai Rotem, have expressed concerns about the lack of space to verify the performance of large autonomous mobile robots in real operating environments.
High-capacity equipment, due to its size and weight characteristics, requires separate facilities for verification, which is not feasible in typical testing spaces.
Gyeongnam Province plans to respond to the development and verification needs of equipment manufacturers through the Gimhae testing center and support the application of key components produced by local companies in actual logistics settings.
Since 2024, the province has been hosting forums and facilitating exchanges among companies to promote the logistics equipment industry, while pursuing government research and development projects and private sector collaborations.
An official stated that discussions were held last year with officials involved in planning research and development projects at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and some project proposals suggested by Gyeongnam were incorporated into related research and development plans. Efforts are also underway to negotiate with port equipment manufacturing companies regarding production and investment possibilities in the region.
Since April of this year, Gyeongnam has been operating the 'Physical AI Logistics Alliance,' which includes AI companies, logistics and manufacturing firms, universities, and research institutions. This collaborative framework aims to identify new research and development projects and jointly respond to government public offerings.
During the forum, Ahn Seung-hyun, a senior researcher at the Korea Maritime Institute, presented on 'Gyeongnam's Role in Promoting Physical AI Port Innovation Strategies.'
Following that, Lee Jang-yeon, head of the R&D Center at JN Works, introduced technology for automatic generation of equipment layouts and logistics routes using AI virtual commissioning, while Yoon Hee-sang, head of the Advanced Technology Center at Genix Robotics, suggested a transition from existing automation technologies to Physical AI.
Park Sung-jun, director of the Gyeongnam Transportation and Construction Bureau, stated, "For the Tri-Port logistics infrastructure to lead to regional growth and enhanced logistics competitiveness, the development of the smart logistics equipment industry must be supported. We hope this forum serves as an opportunity for local companies to grasp technological and market trends and find new collaboration opportunities."
Gyeongnam Province plans to link the Tri-Port logistics framework with the Gimhae testing center to support the technology development and commercialization of related companies, while expanding the supply base for domestic equipment and key components applicable to logistics sites such as Jinhae New Port.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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