The South Korean government has announced a plan to invest more than 750 billion won over two years aimed at supporting the development of industrial robots and other AI applications that are expected to be commercialized within one to two years. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the slow pace at which citizens are experiencing the benefits of artificial intelligence, despite increased interest in the technology. The plan was unveiled during the emergency economic ministerial meeting focused on supply chain stabilization.

A total of 11 government departments, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT, are involved in this initiative, which aims to develop 246 AI application products. The projects will cover various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare, with 145 projects targeted for release in one year and 101 projects within two years. Examples of supported projects include smart glasses that provide guidance to novices based on data from experienced workers, robots that ensure safety during roadwork by detecting vehicles, and AI-assisted mobility aids for the elderly.

Selected projects will receive financial support for AI model development, testing, and production system establishment. Furthermore, products that demonstrate exceptional quality may receive additional support for securing both domestic and international markets, as well as designation as innovative products for public procurement. The announcement also indicated a timeline for launching these projects with public notices slated to begin shortly, along with subsequent reviews and selections scheduled in the upcoming quarters.