Seoul AI Foundation and University of Cambridge Launch Joint Research on 'AI Leading City'

Research to Realize the Vision of a 'Physical AI Leading City'

Establishing Standards for Robot-Friendly Urban Environments

Detailing the Vision Through Innovation in Seoul's Urban and Building Environments

The Seoul AI Foundation announced on April 22 that it will be collaborating with the University of Cambridge in the UK to conduct research on developing a leading AI-powered city model. The goal is to establish urban infrastructure that enables robots to move smoothly within real city environments and provide services to citizens.

To achieve this, the foundation has formed a consortium with the Maxwell Centre at the University of Cambridge and Yonsei University. Through this research, the foundation plans to set a standard for future city models that combine Seoul’s physical environment with AI technology, and to establish a foundation for global dissemination.

In particular, the core projects will be driven by reflecting the policy needs of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Key initiatives include establishing an evaluation system for AI-based robot and senior-friendly urban environments, securing robot mobility, and laying the foundation for utilizing services for citizens. The consortium will also build a system that supports policy decision-making by pre-verifying urban changes through a city planning scenario platform integrated with AI.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also expects this research to accelerate the establishment of a 'Physical AI Leading City.' Physical AI refers to technology in which artificial intelligence operates in conjunction with physical systems such as robots and autonomous devices. In January, the city unveiled detailed strategies to open Seoul’s entire area as a technology demonstration stage.

The foundation aims to begin the research agreement later this month and produce results by December. The developed guidelines will be incorporated into Seoul’s future urban planning and robot-related policies. Research outcomes will be presented at the 'Seoul Smart Life Week' (SLW), scheduled to take place in October.

Kim Manki, Chairman of the Seoul AI Foundation, stated, "It is meaningful that Seoul’s Physical AI vision, as declared by the city, can be realized in collaboration with world-class research institutions. We expect this research to be the first step in accelerating the arrival of a future Seoul where robots are part of everyday life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.