Science ministry targets world-class humanoid platform within three years

The science ministry said it aims to secure a world-class K-Humanoid platform within three years after seeking expert input on a roadmap for its K-Moonshot AI Humanoid Mission.

Humanoids combined with artificial intelligence are emerging as a core strategic field amid intensifying global technology competition, the ministry said, with potential applications in manufacturing, logistics, household work and care, and disaster response.

The draft calls for bringing together industry, academic and research capabilities from development of AI models and core components through demonstration and mass production.

The Next-X Humanoid Challenge will assess domestically developed humanoids to select candidates for development support before a final national-level platform is chosen from 2027. The meeting included an appointment ceremony for members of its Humanoid Mission Steering Committee.

"The next big wave after AI is physical intelligence, which independently judges and moves in the physical world, and humanoids are its core platform," Yeo said. "To respond to the national challenge of population decline and secure future competitiveness, K-Humanoids with technological sovereignty must be fostered as strategic national assets."

Kim Seong-su, research and development policy director at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "We will communicate closely with on-the-ground experts, including researchers and companies, to complete an actionable roadmap and marshal national capabilities to support companies and researchers in competing confidently on the global stage."

The ministry will revise the roadmap to reflect views from the meeting, consult relevant ministries and submit it to the science and technology ministers' meeting next month for final confirmation and announcement.