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Korea’s biggest manufacturers back Config, the TSMC of robot data
Config, a Seoul-based startup focused on robotic data, secured $27M in funding from major South Korean manufacturers like Samsung and Hyundai. Founded by ex-Meta and AI veterans, the startup aims to provide essential data for robotic training. This aligns with Asia's drive in AI, leveraging strong manufacturing roots, as companies seek to enhance proprietary robotic capabilities amidst rising development costs.
Key points
- Config raised $27M in funding led by Samsung Ventures, integrating investments from Hyundai, LG, and SKT.
- Founded in January 2025, Config focuses on data for robots rather than building them.
- The cost and difficulty of gathering and labeling robotic training data are higher than for software-based models.
- Config aims to operate like TSMC in the robotics sector, by enabling others to build their AI models efficiently.
- The startup currently generates revenue from clients in manufacturing, agriculture, and defense.
- Config has collected over 100,000 hours of human motion data to train robots, significantly more than current competitors.
Why it matters
- China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are leveraging their manufacturing capabilities to advance AI technology.
- With the global trend toward automation in industries, investment in robotics is expected to rise significantly by 2025.
- The intersection of AI and manufacturing reflects a shift in how physical labor can be augmented by technology, supported historically by successful manufacturing economies.
Config's innovative approach to robotic data positions it as a pivotal player in AI advancement, poised to capitalize on growing market demand as Asia strengthens its foothold in robotics and artificial intelligence.