Siheung Mayor Lim Byeongtaek: "We'll Link Physical AI to Business Competitiveness and Changes in Residents' Lives"

Siheung Hosts Gyeonggi Province Physical AI Transformation Proclamation Ceremony at Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus
66-Organization Council Launched; Demonstrations to Expand in Manufacturing, Safety, and Care
Physical AI Transformation Declared; Siheung to Become a Hub for Advanced Technology Demonstration and Diffusion

Siheung Mayor Lim Byeong-taek said on Wednesday, “We will work actively with Gyeonggi Province’s Physical AI Diffusion Center, drawing on Siheung’s industrial and research base, so that the results of advanced technology strengthen companies’ competitiveness and bring changes that residents can feel.”

From second left, Siheung Mayor Lim Byeongtaek, Siheung Mayor Lim Byeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Miae, and Ha Jungwoo, vice chair of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, watch a robot demonstration. Provided by Siheung City.

Lim made the remarks while attending the Gyeonggi Province Physical AI Transformation Proclamation Ceremony, held that day at the Future Mobility Building on Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus.

The event, hosted by Gyeonggi Province, was held under the theme “Innovation in Manufacturing, Inclusive Care, and Safety for All.” More than 200 people from government, businesses, universities, and research institutions attended, including Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, Mayor Lim, Ha Jung-woo, vice chair of the National AI Strategy Committee, and Seoul National University President Yoo Hong-rim.

Physical AI is technology that combines artificial intelligence with robots and machines, enabling them to perceive and assess their surroundings and then perform tasks in the real world. It can be used for applications ranging from manufacturing process automation and industrial accident prevention to disaster response and everyday assistance.

Gyeonggi Province presented “A Safe Gyeonggi Province Made Possible by Physical AI” as its vision. Starting in 2027, it plans to expand technology demonstrations—previously focused on manufacturing—to high-risk fields such as firefighting, disaster response, and construction sites, and then extend them to the care sector from 2029.

The “Gyeonggi Province Physical AI Council” was also launched to support the adoption of the technology in the field. It includes 66 organizations, including local governments such as Siheung City, robotics companies, universities, and research institutions. The council will promote the application of Physical AI in industrial settings by identifying technology needs, conducting joint demonstrations, and coordinating policy.

Participants at the Gyeonggi-do Physical AI Transformation Declaration Ceremony, held at Seoul National University Siheung Campus, pose for a commemorative photo after the vision declaration ceremony. Photo provided by Siheung City.

Siheung City plans to support technology demonstrations and expansion by connecting its manufacturing base with research and educational infrastructure. The city is home to the Sihwa National Industrial Complex and Sihwa MTV, as well as Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus and Tech University of Korea.

The Gyeonggi Province Physical AI Diffusion Center, currently being established at Jeongwang Eoullim Center, will serve as a hub to support companies in adopting the technology. The city plans to establish a phased support system covering everything from education and consulting to technology verification and on-site demonstrations.

Ha said, “Physical AI marks an important turning point in the expansion of artificial intelligence beyond the digital realm into real-world industrial settings and everyday life.” He added, “The government, local governments, industry, and academia must work closely together to ensure that the results of technology development lead to innovation in the field and stronger national competitiveness.”

Governor Choo said, “Gyeonggi Province, home to the nation’s largest manufacturing and industrial base, will take the lead in advancing field-centered demonstrations and transformation through Physical AI.” She added, “Businesses, universities, research institutions, and Gyeonggi Province will work as one team to create a safe future that residents can experience.”

Choo Mi-ae, governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Mayor Lim Byeong-taek watch a robot demonstration. (Photo provided by Siheung City)

Siheung City plans to work with Gyeonggi Province to identify the technology needs of local manufacturing companies and strengthen connections among universities, research institutions, and robotics companies. It will also support companies in adopting Physical AI and applying it in the field, with the diffusion center serving as a hub.

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