Seoul: South Korea plans to secure key technologies to become a "full-stack" player in the physical artificial intelligence (AI) industry over the next three years and apply them in various areas, including manufacturing and agriculture, the science ministry said Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, under the vision, South Korea will leverage its manufacturing infrastructure and advanced technologies to become a leading player in the physical AI industry, amid the growing importance of hardware in real-world industrial settings. "The government believes the next three years will be a golden time for South Korea's competitiveness in physical AI and will make all-out efforts to secure world-leading technologies in the field," the science ministry said in a release.

In detail, the government plans to develop a robot foundation model applicable to various AI robots capable of performing precision tasks. South Korea plans to secure key technologies for the safe operation of humanoid robots, including network and cybersecurity capabilities.

The government plans to identify areas with strong demand for AI-powered robots, such as logistics, agriculture, disaster response, and home use, aiming to generate tangible outcomes within two years. South Korea additionally plans to build cutting-edge automated factories using such technologies in key industries, including automobiles, precision manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

The government will continue to improve regulations, support investment, and promote overseas expansion to advance the related ecosystem, it added.