# KAIST and Partners Advance Manufacturing Physical AI in South Korea

KAIST, Dime Research, and Sky Intelligence have launched a collaborative initiative to develop and commercialize manufacturing physical AI technologies that integrate robots, equipment, and logistics systems across entire factory workflows. This partnership combines academic research, synthetic data, and field technologies to demonstrate autonomous manufacturing capabilities, aiming to expand the manufacturing physical AI ecosystem domestically and internationally from their base in South Chungcheong, South Korea.

- This collaboration highlights emerging procurement opportunities in advanced manufacturing AI systems that connect multiple factory components into intelligent, autonomous workflows.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on integrating diverse robotics and equipment technologies, signaling demand for interoperable AI solutions and system integration expertise.
- Companies specializing in AI, robotics, and manufacturing automation can leverage this initiative to engage in joint research, demonstration projects, and commercialization efforts within South Korea and potentially global markets.
- The partnership underscores the importance of real-world manufacturing site validation, indicating that procurement will prioritize solutions proven in operational environments rather than solely laboratory-developed technologies.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

### Vendors
- Dime Research (prime contractor)
- Sky Intelligence (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> For manufacturing physical AI to create actual industrial value, it is necessary to go beyond the performance of individual AIs or robots and ensure that various robots, equipment, and systems are connected as a single flow and operated intelligently.
> — Hwang Il-hoe, CTO of Dime Research

> Physical AI is not completed solely through laboratory technology; it must be verified and developed by encountering complex problems in actual manufacturing sites.
> — Jang Young-jae, Director of the Manufacturing Physical AI Lab at KAIST

> We will connect research and technology accumulated in different fields with experience from manufacturing sites to identify joint research, business, and demonstration projects, and expand the manufacturing physical AI ecosystem.
> — Lee Jae-chul, CEO of Sky Intelligence

### Sources
- [Dime Research, KAIST, and Sky Intelligence Connect From Robots to Entire Factories… Manufacturing Physical AI Collaboration - 벤처스퀘어](https://www.venturesquare.net/en/1116101) - 벤처스퀘어