The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has put forward the concept of an 'AI-centered value creation-oriented science and technology specialized university.' This indicates a commitment to nurturing talent and advancing research and development to support President Lee Jae-myung's first pledge to establish Korea as one of the world's top three artificial intelligence (AI) powers.
On the 24th, KAIST issued a press release presenting a vision for realizing an 'AI basic society' where all citizens can utilize AI without exclusion, enabling Korea to leap into the top three AI nations. Through the 'National AI Research Hub' project led by KAIST, the plan is to enhance industrial competitiveness based on AI technology and actively solve social issues.
KAIST has achieved various research outcomes in the field of AI, ranking 5th in the world and 1st in Asia at the three major conferences in machine learning (ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR) over the past five years (2020–2024). During the same period, KAIST also ranked 5th in the world and 4th in Asia based on the number of papers presented at top conferences in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Research is also being expanded in various application areas including core AI technology development such as ultra-large AI models (Korean LLM), neuromorphic semiconductors, and low-power AI processors, as well as autonomous driving, urban air mobility (UAM), precision medicine, and explainable AI (XAI). In the manufacturing sector, AI technology is being actively utilized for digital twins using data from production sites, AI-based predictive technologies, and ultra-low-power wireless tag technologies.
KAIST researchers are also making strides in the robotics field, which is closely related to AI. Professor Hwang Bo-je-min's team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has newly developed a quadrupedal walking robot called 'RAIBO 2' that can be utilized in high-risk environments such as disaster rescue and difficult terrain. Additionally, Professor Gong Kyung-cheol's team and Angel Robotics have developed an exoskeleton robot called the 'Walk-on Suit' to improve the quality of life for those with complete paralysis of the lower limbs or walking disabilities.
President Lee Kwang-hyung noted, 'KAIST will position itself as a global science and technology leader that designs the future of Korea and humanity and creates practical value,' emphasizing that it plans to focus on nurturing talent and research and development to achieve the new government's national objective of becoming a G3 AI power.
He added, 'The vision that KAIST particularly emphasizes in the AI field is to strive for a society where everyone can freely utilize AI' and stated, 'We will contribute to dramatically enhancing productivity by restoring manufacturing competitiveness through AI and actively spreading physical AI, AI robots, and AI mobility technologies in industrial fields.'