South Korea is rapidly developing its robot industry, focusing on manufacturing and humanoid robots to address labor shortages and enhance productivity. The government, through agencies like the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA), is implementing the ‘4th Intelligent Robot Basic Plan’ to foster a robot-friendly environment. Recent policy efforts aim to prepare for a future where robots play a central role in industrial and everyday settings. The emergence of advanced robots, such as Hyundai’s Atlas showcased at CES 2026, highlights the country’s commitment to technological leadership.
Manufacturing companies, SMEs, and the broader workforce are directly impacted by these initiatives. KIRIA operates the ‘Manufacturing AX Permanent Exhibition Hall’ and provides hands-on tours to demonstrate robot-driven process innovations. In 2024, South Korea’s robot market reached 6.2 trillion KRW, with over 20,500 companies and 35,000 employees. The industry ranks fourth globally in sales and first in robot density, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). These developments are helping address workforce shortages and improve industrial efficiency.
The government launched the ‘K-Humanoid Alliance’ and the ‘M.AX Alliance’ in April 2023 to accelerate manufacturing automation and global competitiveness. The M.AX Alliance, which includes over 1,000 companies, research institutes, and academic partners, aims to expand AI factories from 102 in 2025 to 500 by 2030. At CES 2026, ten leading domestic companies showcased their latest humanoid and industrial robots, demonstrating real-world applications and collaborative innovations. The policy timeline extends through 2030, targeting over 100 trillion KRW in added value for the manufacturing sector.
Frequently asked questions include: How can SMEs access robot technology? SMEs can visit KIRIA’s exhibition halls and participate in demonstration programs to evaluate robot integration. What are the government’s goals for robot adoption? The government aims to create a robot-friendly ecosystem, expand AI factories, and foster collaboration through alliances like M.AX. What is the impact on everyday life? Robots are increasingly present in public spaces, such as coffee robots at rest stops, signaling broader societal adaptation.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s robot industry policy is grounded in practical demonstration and strategic alliances, addressing both industrial needs and societal adaptation. The government’s focus on expanding AI factories and fostering collaboration through the M.AX Alliance positions the country for global leadership in robotics. By supporting SMEs and showcasing technology at events like CES, South Korea is effectively bridging innovation with real-world impact. The policy’s emphasis on data-driven implementation and workforce integration is likely to yield substantial productivity gains and new market opportunities.