Yeungnam University to develop manufacturing humanoid AI with 11 billion KRW grant

Yeungnam University has been selected for the ‘2026 AI Star Fellowship,’ a project led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP). The university will receive 11 billion KRW in government funding over a five-year and six-month period, running from July 2024 through December 2031.

Under the leadership of Professor Kim Seong-ho, the university has established the ‘Humanoid Manufacturing AI Nexus (HuMAN)’ research group. The project focuses on developing core AI technologies for humanoid robots designed for manufacturing environments, specifically targeting three integrated areas: the ‘brain’ (ultra-low-power AI semiconductors), the ‘body’ (design and operation platforms), and the ‘hands’ (autonomous manipulation and task intelligence).

The initiative emphasizes a collaborative model between junior researchers and senior faculty, involving local industry partners such as S&M, SL Co., and Coselo. These companies will assist in the industrial application, verification, and commercialization of the technologies. The project aims to train 48 master’s and doctoral-level AI specialists, conduct 15 proof-of-concept demonstrations, and achieve 10 technology transfers or software registrations to bolster the regional AI and robotics ecosystem.