The South Korean government is taking steps to enhance the competitiveness of the humanoid robot ecosystem in collaboration with the robotics industry. On December 5, at the Korean Chamber of Commerce, Kim Seong-yeol, Director of the Industrial Growth Division, hosted a meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Robotics M.AX (Manufacturing and AI Transformation) Alliance, where they discussed strategies to nurture the humanoid robot sector. Participants included platform companies forming the humanoid robot ecosystem, AI model developers, and component manufacturers, who evaluated the current state of the domestic industry and explored policy directions necessary for Korea to become a leading power in humanoid robotics.

As the deployment of humanoid robots in various sectors becomes visible, the related market is showing signs of growth. According to global research firm Counterpoint, the sales of humanoid robots worldwide surpassed $500 million for the first time last year and are expected to increase to $4.4 billion next year. Companies are fiercely competing to dominate the market, with Nvidia expanding its operations as a platform provider for learning and simulation of humanoid robots, while Chinese firms like Unitree are releasing mass-produced humanoid robots based on competitive pricing. In response to this market trend, the South Korean government aims to leverage the M.AX Alliance for ecosystem collaboration to establish the nation as one of the 'Big Three' in humanoid robotics.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Industry discussed various policies aimed at strengthening the humanoid robot sector, including securing and utilizing data for robot learning, developing key technologies for actuators and robotic hands, expanding practical applications of humanoid robots in industrial settings, enhancing cooperation between industry, academia, and research, and improving regulations to promote robot utilization. Director Kim emphasized the future landscape, stating that the humanoid robot domain will become a battleground among new global tech giants, aiming to position South Korea as a significant player in the global humanoid robot industry.