Jakarta, INTI – South Korea faces global challenges in improving manufacturing efficiency and competing in advanced technology. As a solution, the country plans to begin mass production of humanoid robots in 2029 and AI-powered autonomous vehicles in 2030, a strategic move that reflects South Korea’s ambition to become a global leader in AI-driven transformation for the manufacturing sector.
Manufacturing AX Alliance Drives Industry Collaboration
This ambitious plan was announced through the launch of the Manufacturing AX Alliance (M.AX), an alliance connecting major companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and Posco Group with AI firms. M.AX consists of 10 divisions responsible for developing AI factories, AI manufacturing services, AI logistics facilities, self-driving cars, humanoid robots, autonomous ships, AI home appliances, AI defense products, AI-based biopharmaceutical facilities, and AI chips.
Humanoid Robots and Autonomous Vehicles: Production Targets
The alliance aims to develop a basic AI model for industrial humanoid robots by 2028, with a minimum production of 1,000 units per year starting in 2029. For vehicles, M.AX will provide a software-defined vehicle platform by 2028 and begin mass production of end-to-end (E2E) autonomous vehicles in 2030. E2E vehicles rely on a single AI model to manage the entire driving process automatically.
Investment and Technology Infrastructure
The South Korean government plans to invest 1 trillion won (approximately USD 11.8 billion) to develop core technologies for this project, including automotive semiconductors and driving data simulators. The alliance also targets the construction of 500 AI factories by 2030 and aims to become the first country to develop fully autonomous ship technology. Additionally, the alliance will introduce 10 innovative home appliance products and 10 prototypes of domestically-produced AI on-device semiconductors.
Private Sector Support and Global Competitiveness
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan emphasized that over 1,000 companies have voluntarily joined the alliance, highlighting the critical role of Manufacturing AX for industrial sustainability. “By building manufacturing competitiveness, the government will maximize collaboration with the private sector to make South Korea a world-leading AX manufacturing nation by 2030,” he said.
With this initiative, South Korea not only strengthens its manufacturing capacity but also paves the way to become a global pioneer in humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, significantly enhancing technological innovation and industrial capabilities.
Conclusion:
South Korea is preparing the production of humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles as a key strategy to boost AI-based industrial competitiveness, supported by government investment and private sector collaboration, to solidify the country’s global position by 2030.
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