Korea Polytechnic University, a leading vocational education institution, and KAIST, a leading research university in South Korea, have begun full-scale cooperation to foster talent in Physical AI. This collaboration aims to verify the educational potential by integrating AI robot theory and control practice.
Through two pilot projects conducted this year, KAIST graduate students and Korea Polytechnic University students experienced an innovative education model that combines theory and practice by attending each other’s classes. In the first class, KAIST students conducted motion control practice at Korea Polytechnic University’s Daejeon campus, and in the second class, Korea Polytechnic University students learned the principles of the latest AI robot vision technology at a KAIST laboratory.
Students who participated in the cross-classes reported valuable experiences in understanding how theory is implemented in actual industrial settings. KAIST graduate student Kim Young-min said, “A new perspective as an engineer opened up,” while Korea Polytechnic University student Park Hyo-chan expressed a desire to grow into a professional talent suited for the Physical AI era.
The core goal of this project is to enhance the AI utilization capabilities of small and medium-sized manufacturing sites. Based on the results of the pilot operation, the two institutions plan to expand joint educational programs and technical cooperation. The trained talents are expected to play a key role in South Korea’s leap to becoming a ‘manufacturing powerhouse in AI’.