TECH

China, South Korea Robotics Firms Explore Embodied AI Cooperation

Published: Mar. 27, 2026 3:04 p.m. GMT+8

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Driven by warming bilateral ties under South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, the push for joint research and unified standards highlights a mutual effort to overcome supply chain constraints and data silos in the booming robotics sector. Photo: IC Photo

South Korean and Chinese robotics companies showcased joint projects and explored deeper cooperation in embodied artificial intelligence (AI) at a technology forum in Beijing on Thursday.

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South Korean and Chinese robotics firms are increasing joint projects and standardization in embodied AI, encouraged by improved diplomatic relations.
Key collaborations include Rovigos partnering with JD.com and Unitree Robotics, while EncoSmart has deployed over 20,000 fried-chicken-making robots in Seoul and thousands of service robots globally.
Challenges remain, including data silos, intellectual property concerns, and supply chain constraints, prompting efforts like TC7 for unified AI standards and proposed facility sharing.

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Who’s Who

Rovigos: Rovigos is a South Korean robotics firm specializing in logistics solutions. Its CEO, Kim Tae-yong, announced a memorandum of understanding with JD.com Inc. to design warehouse logistics systems. Rovigos is also partnering with China's Unitree Robotics and aims to develop AI-powered dispatch platforms with Chinese partners for global markets.

JD.com Inc.: JD.com Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean robotics company Rovigos. This agreement aims to collaboratively design warehouse logistics systems, indicating a focus on enhancing efficiency in logistics through technological partnerships.

Unitree Robotics: Unitree Robotics is a Chinese robotics company that has partnered with South Korean firm Rovigos. The collaboration aims to develop AI-powered dispatch platforms for the global market, leveraging Unitree's expertise alongside Rovigos's logistics solutions. This partnership highlights the growing cooperation between Chinese and South Korean robotics firms.

AidAll: AidAll is a South Korean robotics firm that develops navigation robots specifically designed to assist the visually impaired. The company participated in a technology forum in Beijing, showcasing its work alongside other South Korean and Chinese robotics companies.

Connecteve: Connecteve is a South Korean medical diagnostic firm that participated in a technology forum in Beijing. The company was among several South Korean robotics firms exploring deeper cooperation in embodied artificial intelligence with Chinese companies.

Hypernology: Hypernology is a South Korean quality inspection company. It was among the South Korean participants at a technology forum in Beijing, where South Korean and Chinese robotics companies explored deeper cooperation in embodied AI.

AIworx: AIworx is a South Korean company specializing in semiconductor testing platforms. They were among the South Korean participants at a technology forum in Beijing, showcasing joint projects and exploring cooperation in embodied artificial intelligence with Chinese robotics firms.

EncoSmart: EncoSmart is a Chinese robotics company whose CEO, Chen Zhen, stated they delivered their first fried-chicken-making robot to Seoul in September 2025. This robot has processed 20,000 units in six months. Additionally, EncoSmart's service robots are deployed in over 7,000 domestic and 3,000 overseas catering and hospitality businesses.

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