South Korea to invest 2.3 trillion won in humanoid robot ecosystem

The South Korean government has announced a major investment plan to build a humanoid robot ecosystem by 2030. The initiative includes 2.3 trillion won (approximately 2.7 trillion won including private matching funds) dedicated to humanoid development and an additional 2.8 trillion won for the demonstration of physical AI across eight key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and defense.

The strategy aims to establish a mass-production system for specialized humanoids in ten major industries. A primary goal is to increase the localization rate of core components—such as actuators, robot hands, and sensors—from the current 45% to 80% by 2030. The plan also covers the development of high-performance, low-power AI semiconductors, solid-state batteries, and a domestic humanoid operating system by 2031.

To stimulate initial demand, the government will act as an early adopter, purchasing 250 domestic humanoids next year and increasing that number to 1,080 by 2030 for use in universities and national research institutes. Total public procurement for AI robots, including non-humanoid types like four-legged robots, is expected to reach approximately 5,000 units by 2030.