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Seoul Partners with Seoul National University to Build 'Physical AX Center' to Launch AI Leading City Push

Robotics2 min read

Seoul City and Seoul National University (SNU) are building a "Physical AX Center" to turn physical AI research into real products and startups. Physical AI means smart machines, like robots, that work in the real world.

What happened

On the 30th of last month, Seoul City and SNU signed an agreement to build a Physical AX Center at the Seoul AI Hub in Seocho-gu. The center will connect research, testing, business, and startups. The goal is to bring physical AI out of labs and into daily life and factories. Seoul wants to become a global leader in physical AI.

Key numbers and facts

  • The Seoul AI Hub gives 612 square meters of space on the 4th floor of its main center.
  • SNU's H-PAIR national research institute can receive up to 10 years of state funding, about 10 billion won per year.
  • By 2028, the partners plan to find and grow 5 promising startup teams.
  • The first joint project is a "Physical AI Daily Life Living Lab" in the Seoul AI Hub. Next year, the first half will see a home-like test space built, and the second half will test robot performance and safety.

Background

Seoul's mayor, Oh Se-hoon, first announced the goal of making Seoul a "Physical AI Leading City" at the AI Seoul 2026 event in January. The city wants to use the whole city as a test ground for robots and smart tech. It focuses on care, transport, and safety. The Seoul AI Hub is a city center that helps AI startups grow by offering office space, support, and help with testing and partnerships.

Why it matters

This plan links university research with city services and new businesses. Robots that help older adults, people who have trouble moving, and workers could reach the market faster. Startups can share test sites and save time and money before selling their products.

What to watch

  • Whether the living lab opens its home-like test space next year as planned.
  • Which startup teams are picked and how far they grow by 2028.
  • How the Seoul Physical AI Belt links the Yangjae AI Cluster and the Susu Robot Cluster.
  • How well the Physical AX Consortium moves care-field technology into real facilities such as welfare centers and senior housing.

Glossary

Physical AI
Smart technology, such as robots, that can sense and act in the real world, not just on a screen.
Seoul AI Hub
A Seoul City center that helps AI startups grow with office space, support, and testing.
Seoul National University (SNU)
A major public university in Korea that does research in robotics and AI.
H-PAIR
SNU's national research institute for human-centered physical AI and robotics, funded by the government.

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