KAIST Unveils Integrated Solution for AI Unmanned Factory 'K-Dark Factory'

KAIST has unveiled an unmanned factory operated solely by artificial intelligence (AI). This space has been built as a dark factory, capable of operating entirely with AI without any human intervention. A dark factory refers to a fully automated plant utilizing AI, humanoids, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

On March 23, KAIST introduced the physical AI platform 'Kairos' (KAIST AI Robot Orchestration Systems, KAIROS). Kairos is a purely unmanned factory platform based on physical AI that enables the integrated control of heterogeneous robots, sensors, equipment, and digital twins within a single system. The platform was developed by Professor Jang Youngjae's team from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at KAIST, with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Interior view of the Physical AI 'Kairos' testbed. KAIST

The most notable feature of Kairos is its ability to integrate and control various equipment within a factory through a single AI agent-based operating system (OS). Traditional factory automation has been centered on individual equipment. However, Kairos integrates logistics robots (AMR), humanoid robots, collaborative robots, and automated facilities into an intelligent platform, enabling the entire factory to be managed as one AI system. This implements the concept of physical AI-based factory operation in real-world settings.

In particular, the testbed was built using 100% domestic technology across the entire 'sensor-control-data processing' chain. By integrating core components of the dark factory with domestic technology, it replaces previously import-dependent factory automation equipment and software, laying the foundation for the 'K-manufacturing factory export model.'

KAIST emphasized that the testbed will eventually serve as a domestically integrated solution aimed at exporting dark factories.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Byunghoon Bae is visiting KAIST on the 23rd to receive an explanation regarding the Kairos operation plan. KAIST

Previously, as part of the physical AI pre-verification project, the Ministry of Science and ICT supported the establishment of a demonstration lab at the KAIST Department of Industrial Management Engineering. On the 23rd, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Background Hoon visited KAIST to announce the draft National Physical AI Strategy and observe the public demonstration of the Kairos-based dark factory.

The event was organized to discuss the operating system of the KAIST demonstration lab, the joint physical AI demonstration outcomes with Jeonbuk National University and others, and the future direction of the 'Team Korea Physical AI' (TK-PAI) alliance, which facilitates collaboration among domestic companies.

KAIST plans to further advance the next-generation factory operating system (OS) that encompasses the design, construction, and operation of dark factories through Kairos, as well as develop simulation and virtual verification environments.

Additionally, the platform will be used as a test and evaluation platform where domestic robotics and automation companies can pre-verify the reliability of their equipment, thereby increasing industrial applicability.

Ultimately, KAIST aims to develop a physical AI-based dark factory solution capable of competing with global leaders such as Siemens (Germany), FANUC (Japan), and Yaskawa (Japan), and to enter the global market.

KAIST President Lee Kwanghyung stated, "Kairos marks the beginning of a new industrial paradigm where AI directly operates factories," adding, "KAIST will lead manufacturing innovation based on physical AI and contribute to South Korea securing a leadership position in global industrial competition."

Professor Jang Youngjae said, "Kairos implements the concept of a factory operating system (OS) that goes beyond individual automation technologies to integrate various robots and equipment into a single system. We expect this to provide a foundation for verifying physical AI technologies that can be applied by domestic companies in actual industrial settings and for expanding into the global market."

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