Government to support AI commercialization with over 750 billion won

South Korea is set to inject over 750 billion won (approximately $600 million USD) into an initiative supporting the commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI) application products over the next two years. The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on June 19 that 229 products and services have been selected for the "AI Application Product Rapid Commercialization Support Project (AX-Sprint)."

The selected projects primarily focus on areas facing labor shortages, caregiving needs, and safety enhancements. In agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries, support will go to robots capable of automatically harvesting and transporting strawberries, automated slaughterhouse systems, and aquaculture management systems that autonomously determine feeding times and amounts. In the care sector, the project will foster the commercialization of walking assistance devices that detect changes in balance during elderly movement to reduce fall risks, and 24-hour care systems utilizing AI smart home equipment.

Other selected innovations include drones for autonomous inspection of facility and fire risks, semi-humanoid robots for patrolling, and construction robots designed for hazardous tasks like demolition, all aimed at preventing major industrial accidents. Unique selections also feature environmental cleaning robots for autonomous detection and cleaning of underwater pollution, and intelligent manufacturing solutions for designing Korean sauces and fermented foods, as well as detecting fermentation abnormalities.

Officials anticipate smooth on-site adoption, as 91% of the selected projects have formed consortia with user companies ready to implement the products. The government also plans to support the selected companies in securing domestic and international market access through participation in overseas exhibitions. The Ministry of Economy and Finance minister stated that relevant ministries will provide comprehensive support, including regulatory assistance, procurement, and market development, to ensure that the selected companies achieve tangible results that citizens can experience within one to two years.

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Selected companies will create results that citizens can experience within one to two years.