Will S. Korea Become a Leader in Humanoid Robot Production by 2029?
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Synopsis
South Korea is on the verge of becoming a global leader in humanoid robot and autonomous vehicle production by 2029 and 2030. The launch of the Manufacturing AX Alliance (M.AX) aims to integrate AI into various manufacturing sectors, promising significant economic growth and innovation. Discover how this initiative could reshape the future of technology and manufacturing.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea plans to mass produce humanoid robots by 2029.
- The country aims for autonomous vehicles production in 2030.
- The Manufacturing AX Alliance (M.AX) will connect major companies with AI firms.
- Over 100 trillion won in added value is projected by 2030.
- 500 AI factories are planned to be built by 2030.
Seoul, Sep 10 (NationPress) South Korea is set to initiate mass production of humanoid robots by 2029, followed by autonomous vehicles driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2030, aiming to establish itself as a global frontrunner in the AI transformation (AX) of manufacturing sectors, as stated by the industry ministry on Wednesday.
This strategic initiative was announced during the inauguration of the Manufacturing AX Alliance (M.AX), which will link prominent corporations like Hyundai Motor Group, LG Electronics Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., and Posco Group with AI enterprises to facilitate the integration of AI technologies into manufacturing processes, according to Yonhap news agency.
The M.AX will consist of 10 divisions responsible for the development of AI factories, AI manufacturing services, AI logistics systems, self-driving vehicles, humanoid robots, autonomous vessels, AI home appliances, AI defense products, AI facilities for the biopharmaceutical sector, and AI semiconductor chips, as reported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Projected outcomes of the alliance's initiatives are expected to generate over 100 trillion won (approximately US$72 billion) in added value by 2030, the ministry highlighted.
Specifically, the alliance's goal is to establish a foundational AI model for industrial humanoid robots by 2028 and commence the production of a minimum of 1,000 robots annually starting in 2029.
The plan includes providing platforms for software-defined vehicles from 2028 and initiating mass production of end-to-end (E2E) autonomous vehicles by 2030. An E2E autonomous vehicle is defined as a car that utilizes a single AI model to manage the complete driving process.
The government will allocate a total of 1 trillion won for the development of essential technologies for this project, including automotive semiconductors and driving data generation simulators, as per the ministry's details.
The alliance also targets the establishment of 500 AI factories by 2030 and aims to make South Korea the first nation to create technologies for fully autonomous vessels by 2030.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to develop 10 home appliance products that will dominate the global market, along with 10 prototypes featuring domestically produced on-device AI semiconductors by 2030.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan remarked, "The voluntary participation of over 1,000 companies in the alliance underscores the importance of manufacturing AX for corporate survival."
"Leveraging our manufacturing strengths, the government will strive to enhance collaboration with the private sector to position South Korea as the leading nation in manufacturing AX by 2030," he added.
Point of View
It's clear that South Korea's proactive approach to embracing AI in manufacturing positions the nation at the forefront of technological advancement. The voluntary participation of over 1,000 companies in the Manufacturing AX Alliance highlights the critical role of AI transformation for competitive survival. This initiative not only promises economic growth but also sets a global precedent in manufacturing innovation.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manufacturing AX Alliance?
The Manufacturing AX Alliance (M.AX) is a strategic initiative in South Korea designed to connect major companies with AI enterprises, facilitating the integration of AI technologies in manufacturing processes.
When will South Korea start mass producing humanoid robots?
South Korea plans to begin mass producing humanoid robots in 2029.
What are the projected economic benefits of the M.AX initiatives?
The initiatives under the M.AX are expected to generate over 100 trillion won (approximately US$72 billion) in added value by 2030.
How many AI factories does the alliance aim to establish by 2030?
The alliance aims to construct 500 AI factories by 2030.
What is the significance of end-to-end autonomous vehicles?
End-to-end (E2E) autonomous vehicles utilize a single AI model to manage the entire driving process, representing a significant advancement in vehicle automation.
