LG CNS Partners with Skild AI to Develop Humanoid Robots for Industrial Use

LG CNS Partners with Skild AI to Develop Humanoid Robots for Industrial Use

South Korean IT solutions provider LG CNS has announced a partnership with U.S.-based robotics startup Skild AI, marking its entry into the humanoid robot market. This collaboration includes a financial investment from LG Technology Ventures, LG CNS's corporate venture capital arm, and aims to integrate artificial intelligence into industrial applications.

Objectives of the Partnership

The partnership seeks to leverage Skild AI's innovative Robot Foundation Model (RFM), which acts as an AI-driven "brain" for robots. Co-founded by former Carnegie Mellon University professors, Skild AI's RFM allows robots to learn autonomously from various data sources, such as images, text, video, and audio. This capability enables rapid adaptation to new tasks and environments, significantly reducing the costs and time associated with traditional robot programming.

LG CNS plans to develop humanoid robots tailored for industrial settings, focusing initially on manufacturing and logistics. These robots are expected to take on repetitive and hazardous tasks, such as monitoring equipment, product assembly, and handling hazardous materials. By automating these functions, the partnership aims to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve workplace safety.

Broader Applications and Future Vision

The implications of this collaboration extend beyond industrial applications. LG CNS envisions future uses of these robots in broader contexts, such as smart cities, where they could serve in roles like senior care and urban patrols. This aligns with LG CNS's strategy to become a leader in intelligent AI robotics services.

Lee Jun-ho, head of LG CNS's Smart Logistics and City Business Unit, emphasized that the integration of Skild AI's technology with LG CNS's expertise will foster innovation and support clients in achieving smarter operations. This partnership is part of LG CNS's larger focus on AI transformation, which includes collaborations with tech giants like Google Cloud to expand its AI services across various sectors.

As the global competition to develop humanoid robots intensifies, LG CNS's partnership with Skild AI positions it to be a significant player in this evolving market. Other companies, including Tesla and Boston Dynamics, are also pursuing advancements in humanoid robotics, reflecting a growing trend towards automation in response to labor shortages and the need for increased efficiency in various industries.