On the 28th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the final selection of Daegu Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and North Chungcheong Province as the three regions for the Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center.
The Manufacturing AI Center is a hub that supports small and medium-sized manufacturers in effectively introducing and utilizing AI and data. The ministry promoted the project as part of a regional specialization initiative to enhance the utilization of AI in small and medium enterprises and to foster manufacturing innovation in each region.
The ministry selected each region by evaluating their manufacturing data utilization strategies, project management, and potential for spreading results through on-site confirmation and face-to-face assessments. Each of the selected three centers will receive approximately 12 billion won in support.
Daegu set a goal of enhancing competitiveness through the introduction of AI in root industries such as die forging, injection molding, cutting, and processing within the machinery and parts materials industry. Plans are in place to accelerate the artificial intelligence transformation (AX) of the manufacturing industry in Daegu through the establishment of an AI support platform, demonstration of specialized AI solutions, and operation of manufacturing AI industry-academia cooperation programs.
Ulsan will utilize manufacturing data from the automotive parts industry. To build an open AI innovation ecosystem, the region plans to promote the distribution of AI conversion solutions, development of AI-related technologies, and support for overseas expansion. After achieving initial results, the plan is to expand into core industries such as chemicals and shipbuilding to strengthen regional economic competitiveness.
North Chungcheong Province presented a blueprint aimed at enhancing the AI technology adoption and promoting the introduction of AI among small and medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on the bio, cosmetics, and medical device industries. It plans to establish a support system to foster a convergence bio-industry throughout the province, including cities such as Cheongju, Chungju, and Eumseong.
Kwon Soon-jae, director of regional corporate policy, noted, "The Manufacturing AI Center will develop specialized areas of manufacturing AI, such as AI-based process optimization, defect prediction, and quality management, reflecting industry characteristics, and will serve as a hub to disseminate these nationwide."