Seoul: Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, has announced its participation in the "K-Humanoid Alliance," a government-led initiative aimed at developing world-class manufacturing humanoid robot technology by 2030. The alliance seeks to integrate advanced robotics into various manufacturing processes to bolster efficiency and precision.
According to Yonhap News Agency, approximately 70 institutions and companies, including major players like Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Group, are part of this alliance. This initiative, which was launched in April, is managed by the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. KAI is focusing on developing humanoid robots specifically for high-precision and labor-intensive processes in aircraft manufacturing. The aim is to reduce production time while increasing accuracy.
The humanoid technology will be applied to various tasks such as cutting, drilling, sealing, waterproofing, and final inspections. KAI also plans to incorporate artificial intelligence into these humanoids, enabling them to make real-time autonomous decisions within manufacturing facilities. The company has already implemented a smart factory system at its South Korean plant for robot-based manufacturing of Airbus A350 wing ribs, which includes transport and quality control processes.
KAI emphasized that its existing expertise in smart manufacturing and digital-based production innovation will serve as a strong foundation for this new humanoid development. The company is known for producing a range of military and civilian aircraft, including the KF-21 fighter jet and the Surion utility helicopter.