As the era of Physical AI begins, a significant concern has emerged regarding South Korean companies' ability to establish a competitive position in the global market. At a recent forum hosted by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), industry leaders highlighted the importance of stabilizing supply chains for key components and preempting international standards. Pyun Seok, Vice President of Roboteers, emphasized that humanoids are not merely products; rather, they represent an integrative industry encompassing AI, semiconductor sensors, batteries, and software. He warned of the risks associated with relying on foreign suppliers for crucial components such as actuators and control software, which could lead to dependency on external data and jeopardize the entire system.

Professor Park Hae-won from KAIST also contributed to the discussion, stressing the necessity of integrating hardware advancements and robotic systems to successfully progress in Physical AI. The focus on rapid validation in industrial applications is deemed critical to harnessing the full potential of this technology. The article notes that the rapid development of the humanoid market, projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2025 to $37.8 billion by 2035, has generated increased public interest, particularly following notable showcases of humanoids by South Korean companies at CES 2026.

As key players like the US and China designate humanoids as future strategic industries, the forum attendees agreed on the need for a comprehensive national policy to promote domestic capabilities and investment. Proposed measures include establishing international standards, training specialized talent in AI and robotics integration, expanding practical testing environments, and stabilizing the supply chains for key components. Min Byung-joo, head of KIAT, pledged support for creating a robust humanoid industry ecosystem through collaboration with academia and research institutions based on the forum's discussions.