Science ministry announces AI robot playground at children's museum

The science ministry said the National Children's Science Museum will hold a three-day artificial intelligence and robot playground during the summer break, offering children and families hands-on encounters with the technologies.

The 2026 AI Robot Playground runs from Aug. 15 to 17 and features generative AI and physical AI.

"As AI and robots are core technologies that will lead future society, it is important for children to understand them naturally through play and develop their creative imagination," Kim Bo-yeol, director of the National Children's Science Museum, said.

In the AI Creative Playground, participants can use generative AI applications to create music and designs, while the Robot Playground will feature a robot soccer tournament and games against intelligent robots.

On the opening day, Lee Hyun-jong, chief executive of RoboWorks and Makeware, will give a special lecture on AI, robots and everyday life. He will introduce technologies including autonomous driving, care robots and drones.

Drone magic and robot performances are also planned, along with an ant-robot concert, a Fantastic Robot Show and a four-legged robot walk.

A Lego AI Creator class will teach coding to children and their parents. Visitors can take part without an online reservation by waiting or reserving a spot at the venue. The museum said it will deploy specialist operating staff and safety-management measures.