South Korea adds robot sensors, actuators and batteries to innovation project
Seoul plans to build a large-scale mass-production base by 2030 and raise domestic production of core robot parts from 40% to 80%.
The South Korean government has selected next-generation sensors, actuators and humanoid secondary batteries as new tasks of the Ultra-Innovative Economy Leading Project, with the aim of building a large-scale mass-production base by 2030. The plan was discussed at a meeting of economy-related ministers chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyung-il on the morning of November 11, according to aitimes.com.
The three additions bring the project to 18 tasks, up from 15. The Ministry of Economy and Finance outlined the new areas at the meeting.
For next-generation sensors, a public-private joint promotion team will be formed. The government has allocated 9 billion won for technology development and demonstration in robots, defense and mobility next year, plus 1.8 billion won for workforce training.
Actuators will receive about 30 billion won next year to support high-output, lightweight technology development, with around 3 billion won for humanoid mounting demonstrations. Across these areas, the government aims to lift the domestic production rate of core robot parts from 40% to 80%.
Longer-term funding
Mid- to long-term project scales include 100 billion won for K-robot ecosystem advancement over 2027-2029, 49.8 billion won for on-sensor AI semiconductor advancement over 2027-2030, and 271.4 billion won for strengthening battery industry competitiveness over 2027-2031.
Quick answers
What new tasks were added to South Korea's Ultra-Innovative Economy Leading Project?
Next-generation sensors, actuators and humanoid secondary batteries. They add to the project's existing 15 tasks, bringing the total to 18.
What is the target for core robot parts production?
The government aims to raise the domestic production rate of core robot parts from 40% to 80%.
How much funding is planned for on-sensor AI semiconductors?
49.8 billion won is planned for on-sensor AI semiconductor advancement over 2027-2030.