South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said on Tuesday it held a luncheon meeting with editorial board members of international journal Nature and officials from KAIST on the occasion of the "2026 Nature Conference" to discuss global robotics research trends and the direction of humanoid technology development.

The conference, held from Oct. 13 to 15 at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is jointly hosted by KAIST and Nature. Leading robot researchers are taking part to share the latest research results and future development directions in autonomous robotics.

First Vice Minister Ku Hyok-chae (구혁채) stressed the importance of physical AI that acts in the real world and the role of humanoids in a video congratulatory address. He said he hopes the event will serve as an opportunity to promote advances in robotics technology and international research cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Kim Sung-soo (김성수), director general for research and development policy at the ministry, KAIST President Bae Chung-sik (배충식), Olga Bubnova, editor-in-chief of Nature Sensors, Nature editorial board members and robotics experts including KAIST professors Myung Hyun (명현) and Sim Hyun-chul (심현철).

Participants shared key technologies for humanoid commercialization and technical challenges, ways to strengthen competitiveness by using domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, and measures to boost international joint research.

Kim said, "Physical AI technologies, including humanoids, are key technologies that will determine future national competitiveness." He added, "The Ministry of Science and ICT will push ahead with building a humanoid ecosystem at speed through three mega projects and the K-Moonshot."