Gumi Energized by Samsung’s Robotics Investment... Targeting the AI and Robotics Industry

Gumi City, Robotics Institutions, and Enterprises Form a Unified Team
Transforming from a Manufacturing City into a Hub for Future Robotics
Linking Samsung's Investments and Government Megaprojects
Supporting Local Companies in Technology Development and Commercialization

In line with Samsung's expansion of its investments in robotics, Gumi City is accelerating efforts to foster the physical AI and robotics industry by leveraging the region's manufacturing infrastructure.

The city aims to bring together national robotics institutions, local research organizations, universities, and companies to build a robust robotics industry ecosystem. The goal is to create a virtuous cycle in which investments from major companies like Samsung lead to the growth of local enterprises.

'Physical AI-Based Robot Industry Promotion Company Meeting' Site
Photo by Gumi City

On the 25th, Gumi City held the 'Physical AI-Based Robot Industry Promotion Company Meeting' at the city's main conference hall, attended by more than 20 representatives from the Korean Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA), Gumi Electronics and Information Technology Institute (GERI), Korea Institute of Robot Convergence (KIRO), and the Gumi AI Robot Enterprise Council, among others involved in the robotics industry.

The meeting was organized to expand Gumi's manufacturing capabilities into future industries during the current industrial transformation, where artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are becoming key determinants of manufacturing competitiveness. In particular, the focus was on connecting Samsung's robotics investments in the Gumi area, as well as large-scale government-led robotics projects, with opportunities for local business growth.

Gumi has accumulated advanced production technologies over a long period, focusing on manufacturing sectors such as electronics, components, and machinery, and on industrial complexes. The city believes that integrating its manufacturing infrastructure with AI and robotics technology will allow it to develop the entire ecosystem, spanning from parts and equipment to complete robots and solutions.

Gumi City Korean Robot Industry Promotion Agency (KIRIA), Gumi Electronics and Information Technology Institute (GERI), Korea Institute of Robot Convergence (KIRO), Gumi AI Robot Business Council commemorative photo
[Photo by Gumi City]

At the event, Gumi City shared its robotics industry promotion strategy and discussed ways to discover and support projects in which local companies can participate. Participants reached a consensus on the need to combine the strengths of the region’s established manufacturing sector with robotics and AI technology in order to create new markets and develop Gumi into a hub for the future manufacturing industry.

Attendees also shared feedback from the field. Representatives from various industries—including autonomous mobile robots, precision machining, sensors, robot manufacturing, tool changers, actuators, motors, and batteries—raised challenges they face in technology development and commercialization processes.

Key topics of discussion included measures to support participation in government megaprojects, connections with demand from large conglomerates, and assistance with market entry. There were calls to establish a tightly-knit support system so that local companies with technical capabilities can actually participate in large-scale investments and policy projects.

On this day, Gumi City signed a business agreement with the Korean Institute for Robot Industry Advancement, Gumi Electronics and Information Technology Institute, Korea Institute of Robot Convergence, and the Gumi AI Robot Enterprise Council. The intent is to forge a collaboration platform that links national expertise in robotics with the region's industrial sites, enabling seamless cooperation from technology development to commercialization and market entry.

Going forward, Gumi City plans to use Samsung's robotics investments as a catalyst to further advance the regional industrial ecosystem. The city will strengthen collaboration between companies and research institutions, expanding support for technology development and commercialization tailored to corporate needs, to enhance competitiveness in the robotics industry.

Additionally, Gumi City aims to actively connect government-led robotics megaprojects with local companies, establishing a virtuous cycle that leads to corporate growth, new investments, and job creation.

Gumi City Mayor Jangho Kim said, "Gumi, chosen by Samsung, is a city with a solid manufacturing infrastructure and technological capabilities honed over many years. If we connect this strength with future technologies such as robotics and AI, we can surely create new growth opportunities."

He added, "Through this meeting and business agreement, we will proactively support local companies in technology development, commercialization, and market entry, focusing all our efforts on establishing Gumi as a new hub for the future robotics industry."

The ultimate success will hinge on building a 'Gumi-style robotics ecosystem' that ensures Samsung’s robotics investments do not result in mere trickle-down effects for regional manufacturers, but are instead directly linked to the growth of parts, equipment, and technology companies.

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