Gov't to funnel $478 mil. into AI transformation of manufacturing sector in 2026

The government will spend 700 billion won ($478 million) next year to support projects for the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation of the manufacturing sector, including the development of on-device AI chips and exports of AI factories, the industry ministry said Wednesday. The Manufacturing AX (M.AX) Alliance, a government-led alliance of businesses and organizations working for the AI transformation (AX) of manufacturing industries, unveiled five major projects for next year at its first general assembly, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The projects include the development of AI models for robotics, automobiles and AI factories, development of on-device AI semiconductors and promotion of exports of AI factories. In detail, the government plans to invest at least 100 billion won by 2030 in the creation of an AI database for manufacturing industries, and another 700 billion won by 2032 to develop customized AI models for AI factories, future mobility and AI robots. The alliance aims to develop on-device AI chips for automobiles, robots and home applian