AI and Robotics Companies Gather as Jeonbuk Launches 'Physical AI Valley' Initiative

Shin Hyung-sik, Transition Committee Chairman: "A Core Pillar of Major Transformation"

Special Committee Inauguration in Seoul

Won Taek Lee to Lead Full-Scale Investment Attraction Efforts

As the 9th popularly elected administration prepares to launch, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is taking full-scale steps to establish the 'Jeonbuk Physical AI Valley,' positioning artificial intelligence (AI) and the robotics industry as future growth engines.

Won Taek Lee, the governor-elect of Jeonbuk, plans to personally participate in attracting investments from relevant companies, accelerating the creation of an industrial ecosystem.

Shin Hyongsik, Chairman of the Inaugural Committee for Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor, is holding a press briefing at the press room of Jeonbuk Provincial Government on the 15th. [Photo by Won-Taek Lee, Campaign Team of the Elected]

On June 15, the governor-elect's transition committee unveiled its vision to foster physical AI as Jeonbuk's core strategic industry during a press briefing. With recent discussions on establishing a physical AI demonstration complex and Hyundai Motor Group's large-scale investment plans, the committee believes now is the right time to lay the foundation for this industry.

Shin Hyung-sik, Chairman of the Transition Committee, stated, "The AI industry is rapidly transitioning beyond software-centric stages into the era of physical AI, where AI acts and makes decisions in the real world. By leveraging Jeonbuk’s renewable energy resources, Saemangeum’s industrial infrastructure, and its manufacturing base, the province can grow into a globally competitive industrial hub."

Accordingly, the committee is developing detailed industrial strategies centered around divisions for renewable energy, physical AI, and future industries. The core goal is to connect AI robots, semiconductors, data centers, autonomous manufacturing plants (dark factories), and research and development infrastructure into a single industrial ecosystem.

The governor-elect has outlined a plan to create a Jeonbuk-style advanced industrial cluster by integrating the development of the AI robotics industry, expansion of the semiconductor and data center base, establishment of R&D hubs, and building systems for industry-academia cooperation and training specialized talent.

Physical AI refers to technology where generative AI combines with machines and robots in physical spaces to make decisions and move autonomously. Recently, it has gained attention as a key technology for manufacturing automation and the robotics industry, and major countries such as the United States, China, and Japan are also entering into related investment competition.

On June 17, Jeonbuk Province will hold a special lecture at the Jeonbuk Women's Family Foundation, inviting Professor Kim Joungho from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Recognized as an authority in the field of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), Professor Kim is expected to present insights on global AI and semiconductor industry trends, as well as development directions for Jeonbuk.

On June 18, the 'Jeonbuk Physical AI Special Committee Joint Inauguration Ceremony' will be held at the Multipurpose Hall of Seoul City Hall. The event will be attended by Governor-elect Won Taek Lee, Minister of Unification Dong Young Jeong, and Yeonggil Kwak, President of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Residents’ Central Association, among others.

Of particular note, key figures from major companies in the AI and robotics sectors—including Hyundai Motor Group, Doosan Robotics, LG Electronics, SK Telecom, Naver, Rainbow Robotics, and NC AI—are expected to participate, drawing significant attention.

Governor-elect Lee plans to use the inauguration ceremony as an opportunity to visit related companies directly and continue investment attraction efforts. The transition committee aims to connect corporate attraction with research and development, talent cultivation, and industry-academia cooperation systems, with the goal of creating quality jobs and establishing the foundation for future industries.

Meanwhile, the transition committee is currently operating five divisions—renewable energy, physical AI and future industries, tangible growth, resident sovereignty, Global K, and resident happiness—as well as three special committees for the Honam-Jeju megacity, the Summer Olympics, and AI and semiconductor infrastructure, to lay out the blueprint for the 9th popularly elected provincial administration.

Chairman Shin stated, "We will actively reflect on-site feedback to create changes and innovations that residents can truly feel," adding, "We will focus our capabilities on preparing for a new future for Jeonbuk."

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