South Korea is building smart humanoids, but some research still relies on Chinese and U.S. technology

South Korea is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and robotics, but parts of its humanoid robot research ecosystem still depend on overseas technology.

Researchers have demonstrated control of humanoid robots via virtual-reality-based teleoperation. The demonstration featured a Unitree G1 humanoid robot platform and NVIDIA robotics technologies for developing and testing humanoid capabilities.

The case highlights the challenge South Korea faces as it works to become a global leader in physical AI while developing more domestic robotics capabilities.

KAIST demonstrates a remote-controlled humanoid robot

KAIST researchers in Daejeon demonstrated a humanoid robot performing a remote-control task using virtual reality technology.

A researcher used VR-based teleoperation methods to control the humanoid robot during a remote-operation demonstration involving robotic manipulation tasks.

The experiment demonstrated how VR-based teleoperation can remotely guide a humanoid robot’s movements. KAIST robotics research includes areas such as manipulation, navigation, robot intelligence, and foundation-model-based planning.

The demonstration used a foreign-developed humanoid platform, while KAIST researchers focused on control, AI, and robotic applications.

South Korean research uses foreign humanoid platforms and computing hardware

The humanoid robot used in the KAIST demonstration was based on Unitree’s Chinese-developed G1 humanoid platform and used NVIDIA computing hardware.

The example highlights a challenge for South Korea’s robotics industry: researchers are developing advanced software, AI models, and control systems, while some projects still rely on foreign hardware platforms.

Researchers often use commercially available humanoid robots because they offer built-in walking, balance, and control capabilities, allowing scientists to focus on improving artificial intelligence and robotic applications rather than developing every component from scratch.

South Korea targets leadership in physical AI

The South Korean government has identified physical AI and robotics as strategic technology areas. Officials are supporting projects involving artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data infrastructure, and robotics to strengthen the country’s technological competitiveness.

South Korea aims to become a leading country in physical AI, which combines artificial intelligence with machines capable of interacting with the physical world.

However, experts say the country still faces challenges in building a complete domestic humanoid robotics ecosystem.

Limited adoption of locally developed humanoids could make it harder for companies to collect large amounts of real-world operating data needed to improve performance.

Chinese humanoids gain popularity among researchers

Chinese humanoid robots have become widely used as research platforms because they are commercially available and provide researchers with development tools.

South Korean research institutions have used foreign humanoid platforms, including Unitree robots, for robotics experiments and AI development.

Researchers often choose available platforms because they provide existing hardware, software tools, and testing environments that allow faster experimentation.

South Korean companies are developing their own humanoid robots, but they face challenges in market adoption, software ecosystems, and large-scale testing.

Domestic humanoid development faces a difficult path

South Korea is attempting to strengthen its humanoid robotics industry through new investments and cooperation between the government, research institutions, and companies.

The country has launched initiatives to develop domestic capabilities in physical AI and humanoid robots, including efforts involving major companies and research organizations.

However, experts say funding alone may not be enough to compete with established robotics ecosystems in China and the United States.

Humanoid robots require multiple technologies, including motors, sensors, processors, artificial intelligence models, software, and manufacturing capabilities.

Companies that lack access to large-scale testing and real-world operating data may face challenges in improving performance and expanding adoption.

U.S.-China technology competition could create opportunities for Korea

Growing technology competition between the United States and China could influence South Korea’s robotics industry. The United States has increased scrutiny of certain Chinese technology products and advanced technologies due to national security concerns.

These changes could create opportunities for companies that can provide alternative robotics platforms and trusted technology partnerships.

South Korean robotics companies may benefit in sectors where supply-chain reliability, security, and international cooperation are important factors.

Security-focused industries could help Korean robots grow

Experts suggest South Korea could focus on industries where reliability, safety, and supply chain stability are key factors.

Developing successful applications in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, and other specialized fields could help Korean robotics companies demonstrate their capabilities.

South Korea has strong manufacturing capabilities and produces key components for advanced robotics, including electronics, sensors, and precision technologies.

Experts say integrating these strengths into a complete hardware-and-software ecosystem will be important for long-term competitiveness.

Building a complete robotics ecosystem is the next challenge

South Korea’s robotics industry has strong manufacturing capabilities, but experts say building an integrated humanoid ecosystem remains a major challenge.

Competitive humanoid robots require more than individual components. They depend on the combination of hardware, artificial intelligence, software, manufacturing capabilities, and large amounts of real-world operating data.

South Korea’s government and industry groups are working to connect robotics companies, universities, component suppliers, and AI developers to strengthen domestic capabilities. The challenge is turning research advances into reliable products that can achieve wider adoption.

South Korea’s humanoid future depends on building domestic capabilities

South Korea has made progress in humanoid robot research, but building a complete domestic technology ecosystem remains a challenge.

Some research projects use foreign robot platforms and computing hardware, while South Korean companies and institutions continue developing their own robotics technologies.

The country’s future competitiveness may depend on its ability to combine domestic research, manufacturing strengths, artificial intelligence capabilities, and robotics ecosystems.

As global competition in physical AI increases, South Korea will need to balance international cooperation with efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities.

TL;DR

• KAIST researchers demonstrated humanoid robot teleoperation using virtual-reality-based control methods with a Unitree G1 humanoid robot platform.
• Some South Korean robotics research projects use foreign humanoid platforms and U.S. computing hardware, while domestic companies continue developing their own robotics technologies.
• South Korea aims to become a leader in physical AI but faces challenges in building a complete humanoid robotics ecosystem.
• Chinese humanoid robots have gained attention among researchers because commercially available platforms can allow faster experimentation and development.
• South Korea’s competitiveness will depend on strengthening domestic robotics capabilities while combining international cooperation with local innovation.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.