Humanoid Robots Showcase Physical AI at Seoul Festival
Humanoid robots took center stage at the Seoul AI Festival 2026, where developers showcased physical artificial intelligence systems designed for real world interaction. The event was held at the Art Hall of Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung gu, Seoul.
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At one booth, a stationary humanoid robot named UchiBot, developed by Maum AI, performed a choreographed dance routine as music played. The robot articulated its pelvis and multiple joints with coordinated movements, demonstrating balance and motion control in a fixed installation format. Children in the audience joined the performance, mirroring the robot’s movements and interacting directly on stage.
UchiBot was presented as part of a broader exhibition theme focused on physical AI, referring to artificial intelligence systems embedded in embodied platforms capable of movement and interaction. The public demonstration emphasized expressive motion and safe engagement in close proximity to visitors.
Multiple Humanoid Platforms on Display
In addition to UchiBot, several other humanoid systems were exhibited. An upper body humanoid robot developed by Robotis was shown with applied physical AI capabilities. NAU Robotics presented a multi joint humanoid platform designed for user friendly interaction. RoboCare demonstrated a dementia prevention training robot, while Doosan Robotics displayed a robot capable of taking photographs of visitors.
Another humanoid robot at the festival greeted attendees by raising its hand, prompting children to respond in kind. These interaction scenarios highlighted gesture recognition, joint coordination, and human robot interface design in public environments.
Policy Support for Physical AI
Seoul Mayor Oh Se hoon attended the event and stated that the city plans to strengthen urban demonstration initiatives and corporate support systems to ensure that physical AI technologies contribute to safer and more convenient daily life. He emphasized the need for a structure in which industry and policy reinforce each other.
The festival underscored how humanoid robots are increasingly positioned as public facing embodiments of AI research and commercialization. Rather than remaining confined to laboratory settings, these systems are being evaluated in civic venues where safety, reliability, and intuitive interaction are critical.
While the demonstrations focused primarily on engagement and entertainment, the presence of multiple humanoid platforms from different developers reflects continued activity in South Korea’s humanoid robotics ecosystem. Public festivals such as this provide a testing ground for interaction design and an opportunity for companies to gauge user response to embodied AI systems.
Source: chosun.com
