Seongnam bets on medical robotics with new research hub

Seongnam signed an MOU Thursday with the Korea AI Medical Healthcare Research Institute to establish a "physical AI-based medical robot technology integration center," the city announced.

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin and Jeon Young-tae, chairman of the Korea AI Medical Healthcare Research Institute, attended the signing ceremony at Seongnam City Hall. Under the agreement, the two organizations will build a foundation for medical robot technology development and demonstration, and support companies from prototype development through market entry to strengthen the competitiveness of the local medical robotics and medical device industry.

"I expect Seongnam to leap forward as the hub leading South Korea's medical robotics industry by combining the city's strong medical and industrial base with the specialized capabilities of the Korea AI Medical Healthcare Research Institute," Mayor Shin said. "We will actively support the growth of the future medical industry by raising the technological competitiveness of local companies and linking them with the biohealth advanced cluster."

The project was selected in June for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 2026 open-ecosystem promotion program for the bio industry. It will run from 2026 to 2030, with total funding of 24 billion won ($18 million), including 12 billion won in government grants.

The Korea AI Medical Healthcare Research Institute will serve as the lead research and development organization. The Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Bundang CHA Hospital, Korea Testing Laboratory and the industry-academic cooperation foundation of Konyang University will participate as joint research and development organizations.

Physical AI refers to technology that combines artificial intelligence with robots to perceive, assess and act in real-world environments. It is expected to find applications across medical fields including surgery, rehabilitation, nursing and diagnostic assistance.

Under the agreement, Seongnam will handle fiscal and administrative support, while the Korea AI Medical Healthcare Research Institute will oversee construction of the technology integration center and run business support programs for companies.

Companies based in Seongnam will receive free access to high-cost research, development and prototype manufacturing equipment, and preferential treatment when selected for business support programs. The city also plans to provide technical consulting and cover testing and inspection costs for domestic and overseas regulatory approvals, easing the commercialization burden on participating firms.