By Chyung Eun-ju and Joel Cho
Earlier this year, news of a robot in South Korea suffering a serious fall was labeled as the first robot that “ended” its own life, supposedly due to an excessive workload. This incident occurred with a robot introduced to the workplace at the Gumi City Council building, sparking discussions on the ethical implications of using robots to perform human roles.
Most recently, the buzz around robots integrating into our day-to-day lives has gained traction, with Kim Kardashian recently debuting her own Optimus bot, a robotic humanoid with AI integration developed by Tesla.
Although these developments may seem dystopian, the reality is that we are moving toward a future where AI humanoid robots will gradually become a part of our lives. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently unveiled the humanoid robot Optimus at the We, Robot event, predicting sales of $20,000–$30,000 per unit by 2026 and estimating future demand could reach up to 20 million units. Robots are already being increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, from industrial applications to restaurant services, while companies like Samsung and LG have introduced AI companion robots.
Musk’s appointment as co-head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s second administration is expected to ease regulations, accelerating the adoption of technologies like robotaxis and humanoid robots in the U.S. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are aggressively entering the market, with Unitree Robotics releasing the affordable G1 humanoid robot. Innovations like KAIST’s quadruped robot completing a marathon demonstrate the rapid progress in robotics.
The global market for humanoid robots is poised to become highly competitive, with investments from figures like Sam Altman and Jeff Bezos. As AI continues to evolve, humanoid robots are expected to closely resemble humans and become indispensable in everyday life. For South Korean companies to compete globally, swift commercialization alongside research and development is critical.
At CES 2024 held in January in Las Vegas, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics showcased AI companion robots. A time when humanoid robots living alongside humans in households becomes the norm is fast approaching, signifying immense untapped market potential.
China, Japan, the United States, South Korea and Germany dominate the industrial robot market, accounting for 78 percent of global installations (419,780 units) in 2023, with China leading as the largest market since 2013, representing 51% of installations, while South Korea contributed 6%, maintaining a steady annual trend. South Korea remains on a sideways trend starting in 2019.
This global momentum underscores the growing significance of robotics across industries, as highlighted by the International Federation of Robots, which identified the research and development of humanoid robots as one of the top five global robotics trends for 2024, driving innovations and new technological capabilities.
As the integration of humanoid robots accelerates, questions about their societal and economic impact become increasingly pressing. From ethical considerations to workforce dynamics, the emergence of robots in daily life presents both opportunities and challenges that demand careful navigation.
The rapid advancement in robotics is not just limited to humanoid robots but spans a wide range of applications. In 2023 alone, the deployment of professional service robots surged by 30 percent, reaching 205,000 units, while medical robots grew by 36 percent to 6,200 units. Even consumer service robots, already a well-established segment, saw a modest 1 percent increase, totaling 4.1 million units.
These trends are driven by technological breakthroughs, particularly in generative AI, which is significantly enhancing robot functionality and applicability. Furthermore, demographic shifts and labor shortages are fueling the demand for automation. However, as this industry grows, challenges such as the development of standardized safety regulations remain.
As robotics continue to reshape industries and tackle global labor challenges, the conversation also needs to turn to their societal implications. The incident at the Gumi City Council serves as a reminder that the integration of robots into our daily lives is not without its complexities. It highlights the importance of addressing the ethical concerns that accompany this technological advancement, ensuring that innovation goes hand in hand with responsibility.
As we consider the ethical complexities of robotics, it becomes clear that their integration into society will have far-reaching effects beyond just improving productivity. In health care, robotic systems are already performing surgeries with unprecedented precision, while in logistics, autonomous mobile robots are transforming operations in warehouses.
However, critical questions remain: Can robots coexist with humans without exacerbating inequality or ethical concerns? How can society ensure that the rise of robotics benefits all, rather than disrupting social norms or creating new challenges? Addressing these issues will be key to determining whether robotics will enhance humanity or lead to unforeseen consequences in the years to come.
Chyung Eun-ju ([email protected]) is a marketing analyst at Career Step. She received a master’s in marketing from Seoul National University. Joel Cho ([email protected]) is a practicing lawyer specializing in IP and digital law.
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