Korea AI and Robotics Industry Association Appoints Professor Baek Seoktae as New Executive Vice President

Contributed to Dissemination of Smart Port, Logistics Robots, and Manufacturing AI
Experience as Member of Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development
Expected to Serve as a Bridge to Government and Related Organizations

The Korea AI and Robotics Industry Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") announced on June 19 that it has appointed Professor Baek Seoktae of Tongmyong University as its new Executive Vice President.

Baek Seoktae, the new Executive Vice President, has served as a professor at Tongmyong University since 1995, holding various key positions including dean, director, and vice president for external cooperation. Notably, he established the nation’s first college specializing in port logistics, leading academic activities in AI-based logistics automation and smart port fields. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the spread of smart port and logistics robots, humanoid industries, and manufacturing AI through close industry-academic cooperation with related companies.

Seok-tae Bae, newly appointed full-time Vice Chairman of the Korea AI and Robotics Industry Association. Korea AI and Robotics Industry Association

From 2021, Baek served for three years as the regional president of Korea Polytechnics 7, a national university under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, overseeing seven campuses in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam areas. During his tenure, he spearheaded industry-academic cooperation with major domestic robotics companies such as LG Uplus, Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Robotics. He also led the signing of contract departments with DN Solutions and Coupang, elevating the university’s status as a prestigious institution for employment at large companies.

Currently, Baek serves as the head of the Innovative Talent Development Committee under the Future Economic Growth Strategy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, and as an expert member of the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development. Both the Association and the robotics industry view Baek as the ideal candidate to establish organic connections between the government, political circles, corporations, and academia, citing his capabilities in industry-academic cooperation, expertise in nurturing future talent, and deep understanding of the industry coupled with an extensive network.

Baek stated, "I feel a great sense of responsibility to take on this important role during the golden era of the global robotics industry," and added, "Since the majority of companies in the robotics sector are SMEs and startups, I will strive to represent the voices of those on the ground and faithfully work to secure policy support."

Meanwhile, since the inauguration of Association President Oh Junho (Head of Future Robot Promotion at Samsung Electronics) in February, the Association has been accelerating its expansion into domestic and international markets by broadening its collaboration base with robot system integrators and operating the RoboCup competition.

The Association is recognized for its strong network encompassing large corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Leading companies in each field, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Rotem, Doosan Robotics, LG Electronics, LIG D&A, and POSCO DX, spearhead a close-knit cooperative system with over 400 member companies.

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