The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held an AI Robot M.AX Alliance meeting on March 5, 2026, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). Chaired by Kim Sung-yeol, Deputy Minister for Industry and Growth, the meeting brought together industry and research stakeholders in humanoid robotics—including Hyundai Motor Company, AeiROBOT, Robros, Yuil Robotics, Tesollo, Higen RNM, Seoul National University, the Korea Planning and Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI)—to discuss measures to foster Korea’s humanoid robotics industry.
With industrial deployment of humanoid robots in sight, the global humanoid robotics market is expanding rapidly. According to global research firm Counterpoint, worldwide humanoid robot sales surpassed USD 500 million for the first time in 2025, and are projected to reach USD 4.4 billion next year. Competition among global companies seeking to capture the emerging market is also intensifying. NVIDIA, traditionally known for AI semiconductors, is expanding into humanoid robot learning and simulation platforms, while Chinese firms such as Unitree are launching mass-produced humanoid robots with strong price competitiveness.
Amid the global competition, Korea aims to become a top-three global player through an ecosystem-wide collaboration centered on the AI Robot M.AX Alliance. The Alliance has facilitated joint development projects and technology exchanges among companies, generating a range of collaborative outcomes. At CES 2026, Alliance participants showcased the results of their cooperation by demonstrating AI-enabled humanoid robots performing industrial tasks. Today’s meeting brought together key players across the humanoid robotics ecosystem—including platform developers, AI model developers, and component manufacturers—to assess the current state of Korea’s humanoid robotics industry and discuss policy directions to position Korea as a leading country in the field.
At the meeting, MOTIR and participating organizations discussed a range of policy measures, including securing and leveraging training data for humanoid robots; strengthening domestic capabilities in key components such as actuators and robotic hands; expanding field demonstrations in industrial settings; reinforcing industry–academia–research collaboration; and improving regulations to promote the broader adoption of robotics.
Deputy Minister Kim stated, “As proven by the global response to Atlas at CES 2026, humanoid robotics will become a new arena of competition among global tech companies.” He added, “MOTIR will boost support for R&D and demonstration projects under the Alliance to stay competitive in the global humanoid robotics market.” He also noted, “Based on today’s discussions, we will work with relevant ministries and the Presidential Council on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to draw up measures to strengthen the humanoid robotics ecosystem.”