The Korea AI and Software Industry Association (KOSA) said on Jan. 6 it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Iron and Steel Association on building an AI-based autonomous manufacturing ecosystem in the steel industry and fostering converged talent.

The signing ceremony was held at the Korea Iron and Steel Association conference room in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It was attended by KOSA Executive Vice Chairman Seong-il Seo, Korea Iron and Steel Association Executive Vice Chairman Kyung-ho Lee and other officials from the two groups.

The two sides will pursue a range of cooperation projects under the agreement to accelerate digital innovation in the steel industry.

They will cooperate on jointly developing training programmes to cultivate steel-focused AI specialists, including AI operators; establishing guidelines for steel data standardisation; supporting the use of government-led AI infrastructure, including in Pohang and Gwangyang; and linking consulting and voucher programmes for small and mid-sized steel companies adopting AI.

They plan to form a "Steel AI Autonomous Manufacturing Diffusion Committee" and advance specific execution tasks in stages, including policy proposals, talent development and technology verification.

KOSA plans to develop and distribute AI solutions tailored to steel manufacturing processes through the agreement. It also plans to build an AI talent development system centred on industrial sites to support stronger competitiveness in South Korea's manufacturing sector.

Seong-il Seo, executive vice chairman of KOSA, said the meeting of the steel industry and AI technology will have ripple effects across industry. He said the association will focus its capabilities on providing practical AI solutions and training programmes needed at steel production sites.