A South Korean startup captures workers techniques to develop AI brains for robots

▤ Summary

South Korean startup RLWRLD is capturing skilled workers' motions at partners like Lotte Hotel, CJ and Lawson to build a large dataset and has unveiled a robotics foundation model to train AI 'brains' for humanoid robots. The company focuses on reproducing fine hand dexterity with five-fingered hands to enable robots to perform nuanced tasks in hospitality, logistics and manufacturing. RLWRLD expects industrial deployment around 2028 and hopes to expand into homes and service industries by 2029, supported by government initiatives to digitize master technicians' skills. The push raises labor concerns about job displacement even as South Korea leverages its manufacturing base to compete in physical AI against U.S. and Chinese firms.

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