KB Financial Group announced Sunday that it sponsored the 2026 Humanoid Challenge — South Korea's first humanoid robot competition — with a total prize pool of 30 million won ($19,500).
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy organized the event, with the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement and the Korea Robot Convergence Research Institute serving as co-hosts. The two-day competition ran from July 2 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon.
Twelve teams from universities and research institutions across the country competed, testing their humanoid robot platforms in environments designed to replicate actual manufacturing processes. Seoul National University's ROBI team claimed the top prize.
KB Financial Group has been supporting talent development and innovation in emerging technology sectors, including serving as the main sponsor of RoboCup 2026 Incheon, one of the world's largest international AI and robotics competitions.
"AI and robotics are core fields that will drive the competitiveness of future industries," a KB Financial Group official said. "We will continue to build a foundation for future technology talent to grow and serve as a financial partner that advances alongside South Korea's innovative industrial ecosystem, including the humanoid robot sector."
ehkim@heraldcorp.com
