South Korea adds robotics on list of national strategic technologies

IANS May 12, 2025 255 views

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has added robotics and defense technologies to its national strategic technology list. This move aims to position the country as a leader in these sectors, with a focus on developing humanoid robots and advanced aircraft engines. The government plans to support these technologies through specialized schools, tax incentives, and infrastructure development. Despite this strategic focus, Doosan Robotics reported a net loss for the first quarter of the year.

"The government plans to provide comprehensive support, including tax incentives." - Ministry Official
Seoul, May 12: South Korea has newly designated robotics and defence technologies as part of its portfolio of advanced technologies the country aims to strategically develop as new economic growth engines, the industry ministry said on Monday.

Key Points

1

Robotics and defense added to strategic tech list

2

Robotics to reach global top tier by 2027

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Advanced engines crucial for future defense projects

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Government offers support and incentives for development

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy posted a notification of designation of the two new national strategic technologies on the official gazette, bringing the total number of such technologies to 19.

Before the addition of robotics and defence, South Korea's list of national strategic technologies comprised eight semiconductor-related technologies, four related to displays, three concerning rechargeable batteries and two in biotechnology, reports Yonhap news agency.

In the robotics sector, the government picked the design, manufacturing and processing technology for humanoid robots capable of moving at speeds of at least 3.3 meters per second and carrying loads exceeding 20 kilograms.

Last year, the government announced a plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies to boost the competitiveness of the Korean humanoid robot technologies to a global top tier level by 2027.

In the defence sector, core materials and components technologies for advanced aircraft engines with a thrust of 15,000 pounds-force or more have been newly listed as strategic technology.

The advanced engines are considered core technology needed to develop next-generation fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

"To support the development of such technologies, the government plans to provide comprehensive support, including the establishment of specialised graduate schools, tax incentives to promote investment, and the development of necessary infrastructure," an official at the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Doosan Robotics reported its first-quarter net loss of 9.4 billion won (US$6.8 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.

The company said in a regulatory filing that it continued to post an operating loss of 12.1 billion won for the January-March period, compared with a loss of 6.9 billion won a year earlier. Revenue fell 51.5 percent to 5.3 billion won.

—IANS

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
South Korea's focus on robotics is impressive! India should take notes - we have brilliant engineers but need more government support in strategic tech sectors. Our Make in India initiative could learn from their targeted approach. 🇮🇳🤖
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Priya M.
Interesting that they're focusing on humanoid robots with specific speed/load capacities. But I wonder - is this practical when basic automation could help more industries? Maybe India should focus first on industrial robotics for manufacturing.
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Arjun S.
The defense tech angle is crucial! With China's growing influence in our region, India must double down on indigenous defense technologies. South Korea understands this well - we need similar long-term vision for our DRDO and private sector partnerships.
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Sunita R.
While impressive, I hope they consider job displacement issues. In India, we must balance tech advancement with protecting livelihoods. Maybe focus on robotics that assist workers rather than replace them? Just my two paise!
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Vikram J.
The financial losses mentioned show it's not easy even for advanced economies. India's startups in this space need patient capital and policy stability. Our ISRO success proves we can do it - hope to see Indian robotics unicorns soon! 🚀

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Tags:
South Korea Robotics National Strategic Technologies Defense Advanced Technology