Seoul AI Foundation, robot agency team up on physical AI services

The Seoul AI Foundation and the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA) have formed a strategic partnership to develop innovative projects merging artificial intelligence and robotics, with a focus on addressing Seoul's unique challenges. This collaborative agreement was officially signed on October 7th during Smart Life Week 2026, an AI and smart city exhibition organized by Seoul Metropolitan Government at Coex in southern Seoul.

The Chairman of the Seoul AI Foundation, Kim Man-gi, and the President of KIRIA, Cho Young-hoon, were present at the signing ceremony.

The Seoul AI Foundation is a city-funded institution dedicated to formulating AI policies and services for Seoul, while KIRIA, under the industry ministry, aims to boost South Korea's robot industry. This partnership is particularly significant as it marks a convergence into the realm of "physical AI," where AI systems are tasked with controlling robots and other machines operating within the real world.

The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration between the two entities. They will share crucial information and expertise concerning AI, robot policy, technology, and industry. Furthermore, the organizations will identify and execute joint projects, as well as collaborate on various exhibitions, aiming to leverage their combined strengths to foster technological advancements and practical applications in the field.