MSIT discusses the future development of robotics with the international journal Nature

[Financial News] The Ministry of Science and ICT said it held a luncheon meeting with Nature editorial board members and KAIST officials on the sidelines of the 2026 Nature Conference, which was held at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on the 14th. They discussed global robotics research trends and directions for the development of humanoid technology.
The conference is jointly organized by KAIST and Nature, an international academic journal, and is being held at KAIST in Daejeon from the 13th to the 15th. Leading robotics researchers are taking part to discuss the latest research findings in autonomous robotics and directions for future development.
In a video address of congratulation, First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae stressed the importance of physical AI, in which AI acts in the real world beyond digital spaces, and the role of humanoids at the center of that innovation. He also expressed hope that the conference would help advance robotics technology and promote international research cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Kim Seong-su, head of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s R&D Policy Office; KAIST President Choongsik Bae; editorial board members including Olga Bubnova, senior editor of Nature Sensors; and robotics experts including KAIST professors Myeong Hyeon and Sim Hyeon-cheol. Attendees discussed key technologies and challenges in commercializing humanoids, ways to strengthen competitiveness by leveraging domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, and ways to promote international joint research.
Kim Seong-su, head of the R&D Policy Office, said, “Physical AI technologies, including humanoids, are key technologies that will determine the nation’s future competitiveness. The Ministry of Science and ICT will move swiftly to build a humanoid ecosystem through its three mega-projects and K-Moonshot, and will actively take the views discussed today into account in its future humanoid R&D policies.”

[email protected] Yeon Ji-an Reporter