Jungsu Choi, a researcher in wearable robots and a professor in the Department of Robotics Engineering at Yeungnam University, is changing the game of exercise through the AI fitness robot "SEGYM."
It is a new concept physical care solution that combines robotics, AI, and data analysis to ensure that seniors and beginners can safely and effectively exercise.
Humanics is a robotics startup established in November 2022, which initially researched wearable robots for people with disabilities but shifted its focus to the fitness industry considering realistic scalability.
"Hospitals and rehabilitation centers have limitations. To achieve the consolidation of exercise and rehabilitation in daily life, I saw the fitness market as the answer."
The core product is the AI fitness robot "SEGYM." When users interact with the cables attached to the robot during exercise, the robot measures musculoskeletal data in real-time and automatically adjusts resistance or corrects posture by analyzing exercise patterns and strength levels.
In particular, SEGYM is a platform that can control the entire body (arms, legs, torso) in a coordinated manner, unlike traditional exercise equipment. "While existing robots were at the level of assisting one leg or one arm, SEGYM can recognize and control the movements of the entire body simultaneously."
The core of SEGYM's software is "Humania." It is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that provides personalized physical care by analyzing users' musculoskeletal data and exercise routines with AI.
All functions for exercise plan design, precision control, and performance feedback based on this have completed patent applications and registrations.
Another technological axis is the exercise planner AI "HumanEye." It automatically designs routines based on users' exercise goals and data, providing real-time feedback in coordination with SEGYM. In the future, it is planned to expand to integrate with other exercise equipment or treadmills.
Since its full commercialization in April this year, SEGYM has been confirmed for introduction in 15 fitness centers and plans to expand to 50 to 100 centers within the year. The official sale price is set at 400,000 won per month, provided in a subscription model for centers. Additionally, the home-use SEGYM Mini is scheduled to launch in April next year, targeting the home training market at a price below 50,000 won per month.
"Fitness is no longer centered around gyms but is moving towards data-driven personalized management. SEGYM is an exercise platform that naturally integrates into users' daily lives."
SEGYM received an innovation award at the 2025 CES, gaining recognition for its technological prowess in the global market. Its cable operation method optimized for exercise, electronic resistance control, and full-body interaction technology have been evaluated as highly competitive in Asian markets such as Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan.
He says the real competitors in the fitness industry are existing analog exercise equipment sales companies.
"Electrification, digitization, and AI-based exercise solutions are rapidly evolving. We no longer need just equipment that is pointlessly heavy, but rather optimized physical care based on exercise data."
Humanics is prioritizing expansion in the domestic market this year and plans to fully launch overseas operations focusing on Asia next year. The goal is to achieve sales of 35 billion won by 2027 and to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) in 2028.
"What we really want to do is create a world where one can become fit on their own through AI and robot technology. SEGYM can serve as a new standard for exercise beginners, seniors, and busy modern people alike."