로봇의 지능을 깨우는 ‘피지컬 AI’와 기업의 사회적 책무가 만나는 지점 > K-wave Trends

The "Physical AI Leading Technology Development" project, spearheaded by LG Electronics, is an ambitious challenge to fundamentally upgrade robot intelligence. While robots have previously been limited to following pre-set paths, this project focuses on enabling robots to internalize physical common sense and judge on-site situations independently. To this end, a massive investment of 49.7 billion KRW—comprising approximately 34 billion KRW in government funding and corporate contributions—will be injected over the next two years. Led by LG Electronics, 10 key industry-academic-research institutions, including KT, Mind AI, and Robotis, are collaborating to secure technological sovereignty by localizing simulators and world models that have previously relied on foreign platforms.

The core of this project lies in the organic integration of "World Models" and "Robot Foundation Models (RFM)." A world model is like a "virtual school" where robots undergo countless trials and errors in a virtual space to learn the laws of physics before being deployed to real-world sites. Researchers aim to increase the success rate of robot operations by more than 20 percentage points compared to existing levels using this model—a highly challenging figure that exceeds the current global best. The ultimate goal of this project is not just theoretical research, but the completion of effective, immediately applicable technology by building a virtuous cycle that reflects and learns from data generated in manufacturing and logistics sites in real-time.

As notable as the technological innovation is the company's commitment to social responsibility. While LG Electronics is dedicated to the cutting-edge field of robot technology development, it is also taking warm-hearted steps to strengthen the local community's safety net in partnership with the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Through this business agreement, LG Electronics has decided to provide in-house professional coaching staff to assist retired police officers in planning their new lives. This is a case reflecting the will to create tangible social value by sharing the company's professional capabilities and experience when those who have dedicated themselves to public service face a turning point in their lives. It highlights a corporate philosophy that technology should not just pursue cold, mechanical efficiency, but should ultimately serve as a foundation that supports human life.

Furthermore, LG Electronics has donated 30 million KRW to "Donghaeng Gyeongnam," a public-private cooperation platform, to help crime victims recover their daily lives as quickly as possible. This support goes beyond mere financial aid; it contributes to building a social safety net that helps those who have experienced the unexpected tragedy of crime return to society as healthy members. The collaboration with the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency is expanding in various directions, from promoting public safety policies to protecting victims, presenting an exemplary governance model where public institutions and private companies cooperate to solve local community problems. LG Electronics' multifaceted management strategy—designing the future with advanced AI technology while actively stepping up to address social challenges—redefines the role of a corporate citizen.

Meanwhile, beyond technology and social contribution, LG Electronics is also putting effort into economic revitalization through its large-scale promotion, the "National Representative Home Appliance National Support Festival." By significantly increasing benefits provided when purchasing home appliances and strengthening package benefits for multi-item purchases, the company has prepared practical support measures that customers can truly feel. This is a strategic move that helps consumers make rational choices in the current economic climate while connecting corporate sales with the vitality of local consumption. These three branches of activity—technology development, social contribution, and consumer benefits—may seem like different areas, but they are integrated under the company's essential goal of "leading customers' lives in a better direction."