Doosan selected for two physical AI robotics projects

The Korean research programs cover local robot computing and automated welding.

Marcus Reid
October 6, 2026
Robotics, Research
1 min

A machine mounted torch produces a bright spot on a cylindrical metal part held in a circular chuck — Illustrative metalworking photograph by Sergio Rota. No connection to Doosan Robotics or the announced projects is established.

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Doosan Robotics announced on October 6 that two physical AI proposals were selected for Korean government research programs. The projects have a combined budget of about 98.9 billion won, including 68.1 billion won in government funding.

Development before deployment

One project would embed Korean AI chips in collaborative robots so they can perceive, decide and control movement without an external computer or cloud connection. Doosan plans three robot models and an industrial humanoid, with commercialization targeted from 2031.

The second combines AI and digital twins for demanding welding tasks, using imitation learning from skilled workers. Testing is planned at Doosan Enerbility’s Nuclear Power Center.

Safety certification and demonstrations remain ahead. The announcement describes funded development goals rather than completed products or proven factory performance.

ByteForward also reported RobCo’s industrial robotics investment.

Illustrative photograph by Sergio Rota on Unsplash, published July 15, 2022, under the Unsplash License. No connection to Doosan Robotics or the announced projects is established. The site converted the supplied JPEG to WebP without local edits.

Marcus Reid

Marcus Reid is focused on covering the money, rules, and institutional choices shaping AI. He runs from funding rounds and chip deals to regulation, lawsuits, leadership changes, and the business of building enormous computing systems. Marcus follows the incentives behind the announcement. Who pays, who gains leverage, and what changes for everyone else? The voice is direct, measured, and occasionally dry, especially when a grand promise arrives with very little detail.