"Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed tremendously, but in reality, it is still just a half measure. In the future, AI is expected to evolve into agents or robots with cognitive capabilities. The development of physical AI has already begun."
Zhang Byoung-Tak, head of the AI Research Institute at Seoul National University and a distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Science, stated on the 27th at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul during the keynote speech of the 'SMARTCLOUD SHOW 2025' themed 'AI and the Future'. Zhang delivered a lecture titled 'Humanoid Robots: From Digital AI to Physical AI.' He serves as the Chairperson of the K-Humanoid Alliance.
Physical AI refers to AI systems that learn from their surroundings to make decisions and act independently. Humanoids and autonomous vehicles are considered typical examples of the physical AI industry.
Zhang noted, "Currently, generative AI, like ChatGPT, exists only within the internet. However, in the future, it will be important for AI to acquire knowledge through physical means, such as hands or feet and actions or senses, in the physical world." He explained that while the AI models that have emerged so far have been judgment- and generation-oriented based on virtual information like language and images, physical AI interacts with real environments.
However, Zhang assessed that it is still difficult to realize an ideal physical AI with current technology. He stated, "Modern AI is still evolving based on machine learning, and to move into the real world, it must go beyond understanding the world based solely on text or images and must learn through tangible physical sensor data."
Zhang highlighted that one of the advantages of humanoid robots is their ability to learn through imitation. He also explained that introducing humanoid robots into manufacturing could allow for immediate deployment in the workplace without significantly altering the infrastructure. He cited the manufacturing site of Boston Dynamics, where humanoid robots were utilized, stating that humanoid working robots, resembling humans, can accurately move products to predetermined locations within the existing environment and perform tasks.
Considering the current pace of AI development, Zhang predicted that a world where we interact with humanoid robots could arrive before 2050. He remarked, "Currently, AI is at the level of a smart new employee, but once physical AI is realized, it is expected to take on the role of a family member who handles household chores well." He added, "The advancement of physical AI could also give rise to new professions," predicting that tutoring engineers who teach robots may emerge.