KR — 전자신문
Robot Market Expands into Defense: Frequency, Field Testing, and Standardization Challenges Ahead
Robotics2 min read
Korean robot makers are finding a new market in defense as the military moves to adopt robots. Standards, field testing, and getting small firms into the supply chain are the main challenges.
Robots Move Into the Military
Robots have mostly been used in factories and warehouses. Now the defense sector is opening up to them, and Korean companies see new business. The army plans to set up a robot and physical AI team in December. Research is also moving forward on AI-based control for unmanned ground and surface vehicles. Major defense firms such as LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace are working on self-driving robots, teamwork among many robots, and systems that keep working even when attacked or when communications fail.
Key Facts
- The army plans to create a new Future Strategy Staff division in December, with a team for robots and physical AI under it.
- The army is expanding test units that mix manned and unmanned systems.
- Robots are planned for DMZ patrol and watch duties, and for moving supplies.
- The Korea AI and Robot Industry Association has held a series of seminars since last month on extreme-environment robots.
What Makes This Hard
Running many robots at once needs enough radio frequency space. Robots from different companies also need shared rules, called a common architecture and interface standards, so they can connect. Military systems must be tested again and again in real battle-like conditions. Weapons buying rules must also change to keep up with fast AI progress.
Why It Matters
Small robot companies may not be able to build complete defense products. A more practical path is to supply key parts and modules, such as motors, gear reducers, sensors, and controllers. These parts must be adapted to military use and made to work with other equipment. Professor Jang Hee-sung of Wonkwang University said companies should focus on how far they can make their current technology into modules, and that open interfaces are needed. The association says it wants to help robot firms enter defense work.
What to Watch
- Whether the army creates its robot team in December.
- Progress on radio frequency allocation for many robots at once.
- Common interface and standard rules agreed across companies.
- Small firms joining defense research and army field tests.
- Growth of the association's defense robot council as a link between firms, defense companies, and the military.