The "2025 Machine Day" event was held at EL Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. The event was prepared to discuss the development direction of the machinery industry and to boost the pride of people in the field. First held in 2002, it has been held every year and marks its 24th edition this year.
This year's event was jointly hosted by the Korea Federation of Mechanical Engineering Societies, the Korea Association of Machinery Industry, and the four institutes (Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)), with sponsorship from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Industry, academia, and research officials leading Korea's machinery industry attended and filled the venue.
◇ Bae Jung-myeon, KFME president: "Change is both a crisis and an opportunity… Mechanical technology is at the center of advanced industries"
Bae Jung-myeon, president of the Korea Federation of Mechanical Engineering Societies, emphasized in his opening remarks that the machinery industry is at a turning point amid major shifts such as the reorganization of global supply chains and the revolutions in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy. Bae said, "These changes are both a crisis and an opportunity for us," adding, "At the center of all advanced industries—including AI, eco-friendly energy, mobility, and space—there is always mechanical technology."
Cho Young-cheul, president of the Korea Association of Machinery Industry, said in a welcome address, "Even amid high external uncertainty, people in the machinery industry are doing their best in their respective roles as a mainstay of the economy," adding, "I hope industry, academia, research, and government will work together to open the future of a new machinery industry led by AI and digital transformation."
◇ "Machinery person of the year" goes to President Kim Dong-hwan, Principal Researcher Park Cheon-hong, CEO Oh Han-il, and CEO Bang Su-won
At the event, the "Machinery Person of the Year" honors went to ▲ Kim Dong-hwan, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology ▲ Park Cheon-hong, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) ▲ Oh Han-il, CEO of Daejin Bolt Industry ▲ Bang Su-won, CEO of Shinsung Junggong. One individual was selected from each of the industry, academia, research, and master craft categories for significant contributions to the development of Korea's machinery industry.
Kim was recognized for conducting commercialization-focused research in robotics and nano equipment and for producing many talents in robotics and automation. Park contributed to the advancement of mechanical equipment by developing and commercializing core design technologies for precision production equipment such as semiconductor and display equipment and machine tools, while Oh was credited with improving the productivity and quality of bolt products through pioneering overseas markets and technological innovation. Bang was recognized for contributing to parts localization and securing global competitiveness by working in the precision machined parts field for 40 years.
◇ Top 10 technologies of the year, 17 awardees of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy commendations also announced
The Korea Federation of Mechanical Engineering Societies also selected the "Top 10 Technologies of the Year." Established in 2013, this award recognizes outstanding machinery products or technologies developed in Korea during the year to commend researchers' efforts and promote them externally.
This year's honorees include ▲ Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) Advanced Robotics Research Center (the world's first transformable wheel-based robotic wheelchair that can freely traverse stairs and obstacles) ▲ Daewoo Compressor (air purification and sterilization system) ▲ Rainbow Robotics (quadruped robot platform) ▲ KP Aerospace (the world's first Ti64 high-pressure tank 3D printing technology for cryogenic, high-pressure verified satellites and space launch vehicles) ▲ Korea University (artificial tactile sensors that feel sensations like humans) ▲ KIMM Energy Storage Research Lab (large-capacity, long-duration liquid air energy storage technology completing the renewable energy highway) ▲ Hanyang University (early detection system for battery module thermal runaway using swelling sensors for EV safety) ▲ Hanwha Ocean (control valve measurement and reproduction equipment for shipbuilding) ▲ Tesollo (humanoid robot hand) ▲ LG Electronics (rapid purification technology based on an AI air quality sensor).
In addition, 17 people who contributed to the development of the machinery industry in industry, academia, and research received Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy commendations. Also announced were commendations from the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) chair (three people), the intellectual property office chief (two people), and heads of the co-hosting organizations (six people). As an invited keynote speaker, Yoon Byung-dong, a Seoul National University professor and OnePredict CEO, attended.