The era of "physical AI," in which robots go beyond machines that simply execute commands to learn the language and rules of the field on their own and collaborate, has opened. As the "maestro" that conducts diverse robots, LG CNS will make it a reality within two years for robots to be deployed in real production lines.
Hyun Shin-Gyoon, president of LG CNS, stated accordingly at a CES 2026 press briefing on the 7th in Las Vegas, saying, "The new standard for robot competitiveness is not hardware performance but how accurately and reliably they can replace human work." Since taking office at the end of 2022, Hyun has rapidly transformed LG CNS's constitution into an AX (AI transformation) specialist corporations, and through this exhibition revealed confidence in the physical AI market that combines robots and AI.
Hyun likened LG CNS's robot strategy to "new employee training." Hyun said, "When a new graduate joins, they have general knowledge but cannot immediately do field work," and explained, "We bring in general-purpose robots from hardware companies and put them through 'OJT (on-the-job training)' based on field data." To that end, LG CNS joined hands with U.S. AI unicorn Skild AI. Based on Skild AI's Robot Foundation Model (RFM), LG CNS fine-tunes using its manufacturing and logistics field know-how.
Hyun emphasized, "Skild AI's model is hardware-neutral, so it can be applied to robots from various manufacturers, including Unitree," adding, "Our core weapon is a platform that trains and controls robots to work best in specific environments." On commercialization timing, Hyun said, "We are currently conducting proof of concept (PoC) at factories and logistics centers of a dozen or so clients," and predicted, "About two years from now, when mass-production systems for hardware are in place and on-site data training matures, we will see robots completely replacing human roles on actual production lines."
Hyun also pointed to "agentic AI" as another pillar of business innovation. Hyun said, "The core of AX is not partial adoption of AI, but redesigning work structures and processes so AI can deliver results." Through its specialized consulting arm, Entrue Consulting, LG CNS is redefining clients' business pain points as AX tasks and is operating an end-to-end business model that connects through to actual implementation via its in-house agentic AI platform, AgenticWorks. In particular, the company is using itself as an "AX laboratory," first applying technologies in-house, such as the AI coding platform DevOn AI, to validate effectiveness.
Hyun also maintained a textbook stance on stock prices, a recent focus of the capital market, and the company's path after its IPO. Hyun said, "Rather than artificially boosting the stock, steadily building the future is the textbook approach to mid- to long-term stock price support," adding, "Last year, for the first time ever, we paid an interim dividend, and we are working on shareholder returns by keeping the dividend payout ratio at 40% or higher." On M&A strategy for growth, Hyun added, "Rather than simple revenue expansion, we are actively pursuing minority equity investments and joint ventures (JVs) for strategic partnerships and securing technology, such as an Indonesian security company and Japan's SBJ DNX," and "We are continuously reviewing meaningful M&A targets."
Hyun also expressed a willingness to expand into new industrial sectors such as defense and shipbuilding. Hyun said, "Last year, defense clients recognized the value of our smart factory and logistics, leading to results," and added, "Based on the IT defense references we have built in Korea, we will actively seek opportunities to enter overseas markets going forward." Hyun continued, "AX is now a decisive, essential factor for the survival of corporations," and said, "LG CNS will serve as both the think tank and execution body leading the AX of Korea's corporations, producing meaningful results in the global market."