University-born robot startup brings 40 billion won to set up shop on its alma mater’s campus

[Financial News] A robot startup that began at a university business incubator is making a major investment of 40 billion won and relocating its headquarters and factory to its alma mater’s campus as part of an expansion. The university’s support for startups is seen to have borne fruit in a virtuous cycle of industry-academia collaboration, with business growth leading to reinvestment in the local area.
According to Hanyang University ERICA on the 6th, Airobot, a humanoid robotics specialist, will build its headquarters and robot research and production facilities on a 4,487-square-meter site in Campus Innovation Park. The company plans to invest approximately 40 billion won from 2026 through 2027, bringing its R&D and manufacturing operations together at one location and hiring approximately 50 new employees.
Founded in 2018, Airobot has developed key technologies in-house, including humanoid robot platforms, actuators, and control technologies. Having grown out of the Hanyang University ERICA business incubator, Airobot was selected as a Campus Innovation Park tenant following an open call and an evaluation of business proposals.
The company’s arrival is the first case of the innovation ecosystem at Ansan Science Valley (ASV), built jointly by the university and local governments, leading to a major investment. It is also expected to accelerate the shift to “physical AI,” integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into existing manufacturing operations in the nearby Banwol and Sihwa Industrial Complexes.
Earlier, on the 30th of last month, Hanyang University ERICA signed an investment agreement for the Ansan Science Valley District in the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone with the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone Authority, Ansan City, and Airobot.
Hanyang University President Lee Ki-jeong said, “Airobot’s investment shows that Hanyang University ERICA is growing into a hub for innovation in advanced industries through AI and humanoid technology development and industry-academia collaboration,” adding, “The university and businesses will work together to lead the commercialization of technology and the development of talent in the physical AI field.”

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter