S. Korea to spend 2.3 tln won through 2030 on full-stack humanoid development

South Korea has announced plans to invest 2.3 trillion won ($1.66 billion) through 2030 to bolster the domestic production of full-stack humanoid robots, amid growing global competition fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The Ministry of Planning and Budget unveiled this ambitious plan in advance of the government's upcoming budget announcement, as the AI market pivots towards physical applications and humanoid robotics.

The government's initial budget projection for 2024 stands at 600 billion won. However, its objective is to establish robust mass-production systems for humanoid robots specifically designed for ten key industries. Furthermore, the government seeks to elevate the local production rate of critical components from the current 45 percent to an ambitious 80 percent.

In 2027, the government will acquire 250 domestically developed humanoid robots for distribution among universities and state-funded research institutions. By 2030, the total number of domestically produced humanoid robots acquired by the government will reach 1,080. This initiative extends beyond humanoid robots alone, encompassing a broader spectrum of robot technologies. The government anticipates purchasing approximately 5,000 robots, including non-humanoid models like four-legged robots, within the same timeframe.

To address Korea's current competitive disadvantages, the government will concentrate on nurturing the development of three crucial components in which the nation lags behind in technological prowess — actuators, among others.