Now Robotics deploys industrial humanoid robots with domestic AI chips and models

Now Robotics deploys industrial humanoid robots with domestic AI chips and models

South Korean robotics firm Now Robotics has been selected for one of two new Physical AI demonstration projects under the Ministry of Science and ICT's initiative to promote domestic AI semiconductors. The project, valued at approximately 2.4 billion won (~$1.8M), runs from July 2026 to December 2027, aiming to integrate locally developed NPU chips and VLA (Vision-Language-Action) models into a mobile dual-arm robot for industrial settings. The robot is designed for tasks like picking, sorting, and transporting in factories and logistics centers, emphasizing practicality over humanoid appearance.

This move underscores Korea's push to build a sovereign AI supply chain, combining domestic hardware and software to reduce reliance on foreign components. By pairing local NPUs with a Korean VLA model, Now Robotics is testing whether homegrown AI stack can compete in the demanding physical AI domain, where real-time perception and action are critical. The project also signals a broader trend: governments are increasingly funding domestic alternatives in robotics, a sector seen as strategically vital for manufacturing competitiveness.

For investors and builders, Now Robotics' focus on industrial deployment rather than consumer humanoids is notable. It targets immediate productivity gains in logistics and manufacturing, a pragmatic approach that could accelerate commercialization. If successful, it may serve as a reference case for other Korean robotics startups and strengthen the case for domestic chip adoption in AI applications. However, the project's relatively modest budget suggests early-stage validation, and the company will need to prove reliability and performance in real-world conditions before broader market adoption.

#Robotics #PhysicalAI #SouthKorea #Semiconductors #IndustrialAutomation