KB Financial Group has sponsored the 2026 Humanoid Challenge, a competition focused on proving humanoid robot technologies.

KB Financial said on July 6 it sponsored a total prize fund of 30 million won for the 2026 Humanoid Challenge, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and co-organised by the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement and the Korea Institute of Robotics and Technology Convergence.

Participating teams showcased humanoid robots' precision task capabilities and autonomous control technology.

The top prize went to Seoul National University's ROBI team. Team leader Jun-oh Kim (김준오) said, "Based on this achievement, we will strive to help South Korea's robotics industry take a step forward."

Humanoid robots have recently been drawing attention as a key technology to improve manufacturing productivity and address labour shortages alongside advances in AI technology. Major countries and global companies are also expanding demonstrations and commercialisation for use in manufacturing sites.

KB Financial plans to use the sponsorship to support the development of domestic humanoid technology talent and to revitalise the industry ecosystem.

A KB Financial official said, "AI and robotics technologies are core fields that will drive competitiveness in future industries," and added, "We will become a financial partner that grows together with the ecosystem of innovative industries, including humanoid robots."