[The Future of Labor, The Physical AI Impact] ③ Professor Seo Yongseok: "Physical AI Is a Solution to the Demographic Cliff, But the Value of 'Skill' Must Be Protected"

Physical AI: The End of Labor or a Stepping Stone for Evolution?
Asking Four Global Scholars and Policy Experts About the Future of Work

Editor's NoteThe era of 'Physical AI,' in which artificial intelligence (AI) that once remained on screens now performs actual labor in the bodies of robots, has arrived. Recently, conflicts between technological advancement and employment insecurity have become a reality, as seen in the strong opposition of Hyundai Motor's labor union to the introduction of the bipedal robot 'Atlas.' Does Physical AI signal the end of human labor, or is it a stepping stone for the evolution that will expand humanity's capabilities? The Asia Business Daily asks four global scholars and policy experts—Professor Jerry Kaplan of Stanford University, Professor Ken Goldberg of UC Berkeley, Professor Seo Yongseok of KAIST, and Assemblyman Cha Jiho of the Democratic Party of Korea—about the future of human labor. Over the course of four features, we explore alternatives and solutions for coexistence in the era of technological disruption and demographic decline.

In Korea, where the paradoxical situation of both labor shortages and fear of automation coexist, 'Physical AI'—robots and autonomous systems combined—is emerging as a key solution to the demographic cliff.

Seo Yongseok, a professor at Munsul Mirae Jeonryak Daehagwon, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is talking about AI (artificial intelligence) and the future of humanity in an interview with The Asia Business Daily. Heo Younghan, reporter.

Seo Yongseok, Director of the Future Strategy Research Center at the Munsul Future Strategy Graduate School of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), defined Physical AI as "technology that reshapes the landscape of labor and production" in a recent interview with The Asia Business Daily. However, he warned that if society becomes obsessed with the simple narrative of replacing human workers, it could result in enormous social costs. Seo defined the future not as a matter of prediction but as an object of "choice and design," stressing the importance of social consensus before introducing new technology.

He stated, "If generative AI has put pressure on knowledge work such as document writing, planning, and analysis, Physical AI is now entering domains that require physical labor—manufacturing, logistics, construction, caregiving, and agriculture," and added, "With Korea's declining population, this trend can seem less like an option and more like a necessity."

However, Seo cautioned against the idea that the arrival of robots means skilled workers can be easily dismissed. He explained, "A skilled worker can estimate temperature just by looking at the color of a flame or detect abnormalities by listening to the vibration and noise of equipment. Such know-how is not created by a few pages of a manual but is the result of years of accumulated onsite experience."

He added, "AI may learn from data and come close, but that data ultimately originates from the field. The final responsibility for safety and quality still lies with humans." He emphasized, "It is not easy to lay off workers and rehire them later. Skills cannot be stockpiled like inventory."

Seo described the future as one of 'role transition' rather than 'complete replacement.' He said, "As AI reaches the stage where it can sense, judge, and act simultaneously, humans will shift from being the primary operators to supervisors, designers, and those ultimately responsible. On-site, the key role will be directing multiple robots and automated equipment and making decisions in exceptional situations."

He likened this to being "closer to an orchestra conductor." However, he cautioned, "Such roles are not open to everyone. The number of people needed may decrease. This is where the issue of inequality re-emerges."

Seo assessed that this shock could spread hierarchically within the labor market. He explained, "Hiring people is a fixed cost. In societies where companies cannot easily lay off existing staff, new recruitment is reduced instead. In that case, the youth are the first to be hit."

He continued, "Next, women, mid-skilled workers, and then professionals may see the value of their jobs shaken." He pointed out that automation, chosen to offset population decline, could create another kind of void—a gap in opportunities and income.

Nevertheless, Seo clearly outlined Korea's strengths in the era of Physical AI. He said, "Korea is strong in manufacturing and hardware. Fields such as batteries, semiconductors, nuclear power, and shipbuilding have accumulated process data and know-how."

He further emphasized, "Korea's strategy is not simply to chase software. It is to deepen the integration of AI into manufacturing competitiveness and further widen the gap." He added, "If the United States plays the brain, we can be the body. No matter how skilled a chef is, he cannot cook without a knife."

However, he drew a line, stating that a technology strategy alone is not sufficient. "For Physical AI to be a true solution, control and accountability must be designed together," he said. He added, "Setting direction, making value judgments, and taking ultimate responsibility remain human roles. Advancing only the technology without matching ethical progress leads to disaster."

He also noted, "Employment, welfare, and taxation systems have all been designed on the premise of work. If labor decreases, that premise is shaken." On basic income and basic services, he said, "This is not just a welfare debate, but a matter of a new social contract. There needs to be consensus on how to share the costs of transition." He stressed, "This is a civilizational turning point. The core issue is not technology, but social consensus."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.