Defense Ministry Opens Military's First AI Transformation Base
South Korea's defense ministry opened the military's first AI transformation base in Pangyo to train humanoids and multi-legged robots for dangerous military tasks, with plans for five bases nationwide.
The opening ceremony for the Army's first AI transformation, or AX, base was attended by about 150 personnel, including officials from the science and industry ministries, according to the defense ministry. Yonhap News reported that the base will collect physical AI data and use an AI model to train humanoids and multi-legged robots. The ministry said the goal is to create the world's best defense hub featuring physical AI.
According to the ministry, the trained AI models will be used to help transport goods to hazardous areas, conduct explosive ordnance disposal and remove land mines. Those tasks are expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce the troops' exposure to danger.
The ministry also plans to accelerate defense innovation driven by AI by linking the AI technology of the private sector with the military's needs. Under the plan, each military branch and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will set up a total of five AX bases across the country. That group includes a JCS base in Seoul's Yongsan Ward.
The Pangyo site is the first of the five AX bases. The ministry said it aims to connect private-sector AI technology with military requirements as part of the broader defense innovation effort.
Editor's Summary
South Korea's defense ministry opened the Army's first AI transformation base in Pangyo, with plans for five AX bases across the military. The base is intended to train physical AI systems, including humanoids and multi-legged robots, for hazardous transport, explosive ordnance disposal and land mine removal. The ministry aims to connect private-sector AI technology with military requirements to accelerate defense innovation.