“Time to prepare new standards for robot safety in the Physical AI era” [2026 Robotworld]

[Financial News] I was able to be part of the process of robot technology moving beyond the lab and creating real value in everyday life and industrial settings. I am grateful and honored that my efforts over the years have been recognized with such a meaningful award. I believe this award is the result of the efforts of the colleagues, company, and people in the robotics industry who have thought through challenges and taken them on together.
I have been involved in developing and commercializing a range of robots, from guide robots at Incheon International Airport to LG CLOi ServeBot and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for manufacturing and logistics. I also expanded my work into robot safety technology, obtaining international safety certification for a drive safety controller for mobile robots and for industrial AMRs, and participating in the development of domestic and international safety standards.
The robotics industry is now rapidly shifting into the Physical AI era, in which AI understands and assesses its surroundings and acts autonomously. As robots become more autonomous and operate in spaces closer to people, ensuring safety and trust becomes even more important, alongside intelligence. Next-generation robots, particularly humanoids, need new safety technologies and verification frameworks that go beyond conventional functional safety to account for AI’s decisions and actions. I will make this award a new starting point and extend the experience I have built in robot development and commercialization, safety, and standardization to next-generation robots. I will work even harder to help our country establish new standards for robot safety and trust in the Physical AI era.
[email protected] Yeon Ji-an Reporter