The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said on the 30th that it is jointly developing a Korea-style next-generation humanoid, KAPEX, with LG Electronics and LG AI Research.
A humanoid, meaning a robot that resembles a human, is an essential technology for realizing physical artificial intelligence (AI). Physical AI is a technology in which AI learns and adapts directly in a physical environment to solve problems autonomously, because a robot must move its arms and legs freely like the human body. But the humanoid platform is effectively dominated by the United States and China.
In response, the researchers set out to develop KAPEX, a next-generation humanoid capable of precise manipulation and collaboration with people. While existing humanoids have remained at the level of simply mimicking human movements, KAPEX is expected to become a robot that learns on its own and adapts to changes in the environment.
KAPEX will combine the core AI humanoid technologies of KIST's AI and Robotics Institute with LG Electronics' capabilities in productization and mass production and its global business experience, along with LG AI Research's robot brain technology based on its large-scale AI model, EXAONE VL (Vision Language).
The researchers are conducting research and development (R&D) to equip KAPEX with next-generation features and plan to unveil results step by step starting in Nov. with robot mobility and hand manipulation. The goal is to begin field demonstrations at industrial sites and commercialization within four years.
Lee Jong-won, Director General of KIST's Humanoid Research Division, said, "KAPEX will be a practical alternative that challenges the U.S.- and China-centered market order for Korea-style AI robots and a new global standard," adding, "Through demonstration and commercialization, it will serve as an opportunity for Korea to secure leadership in the robot industry."