2nd SNU Robotics Day Draws Strong Attendance; U.S. Robotics Scholar Henrik Christensen Praises SNU’s World-Class Research
– 250 attendees join demos and poster sessions showcasing SNU robotics research
– Prof. Kyu Jin Cho: SNU Robotics Institute to serve as a “lab-to-market” hub in the era of physical AI
– Korea–U.S. dialogue predicts widespread adoption of robots after 2028


▲ Photo 1. Participants engaging with robot demonstrations at “SNU Robotics Day” held at the Haedong Advanced Engineering Center

Seoul National University College of Engineering announced that it successfully hosted the 2nd SNU Robotics Day at its Gwanak Campus.

Following its inaugural event held in December two years ago, Robotics Day is a public event where SNU robotics researchers gather to share the latest advancements in robotics technology.

In the morning session, engineers from SNU involved in building, researching, and applying robotics (encompassing all scientific elements required for robot design and operation) presented their research results and live robot demonstrations. In the afternoon, the Robotics Global Forum featured lectures and discussions by leading robotics scholars from Korea and the United States.

A total of 81 SNU researchers presented various robots currently under development through talks, posters, and demonstrations. Despite being held during the academic break, approximately 250 attendees—including students, industry professionals, and members of the public—showed strong interest in the latest robotics technologies.

Renowned robotics scholar Henrik Christensen, Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego, attended as a keynote speaker. He closely observed student demonstrations and actively engaged with presenters by asking questions. “The robots developed by SNU students today were very impressive,” he said. “I hope to see more collaboration opportunities between institutions, such as joint project-based programs where students from Europe and Korea can learn together.”

▲ Photo 2. Prof. Kyu Jin Cho (left) of SNU explains a wearable robot developed by SNU students to Prof. Henrik Christensen (right) of UC San Diego

The afternoon Robotics Global Forum began with a lecture by renowned neuroscientist Prof. Inah Lee of SNU’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. She compared the structure of the human brain with robotic functions, explaining the differences between humans and robots through variations in brain function. Prof. Kyu Jin Cho added that “Neuroscience research not only inspires robotics researchers but also provides practical insights for robot development.”

As the second speaker, Prof. Kyu Jin Cho highlighted the case of Carnegie Mellon University, which led innovation by transforming Pittsburgh’s former steel industry base into a robotics hub. “World-class universities have always played a crucial role in the process of robotics innovation,” he emphasized. He added, “SNU’s Robotics Institute aims to serve as a lab-to-market hub, ensuring that creative ideas originating in university labs do not end as academic papers but evolve into practical robots for real-world use.”

Following the talks, congratulatory remarks were delivered by Young-Oh Kim, Dean of the SNU College of Engineering; Jin-Oh Kim, President of the Korea AI Robotics Industry Association; and Soonmin Bae, Head of KT AI Future Lab. Dean Kim encouraged participants, saying, “I hope you approach robotics research with the mindset that you are shaping the future.” President Kim emphasized collaboration, stating, “Robotics can only advance through cooperation across industry, academia, and multiple sectors.” Bae added, “Robots represent the interface through which AI interacts with the physical world, and it is through robotics that the full potential of AI can be realized.”

The event concluded with a Korea–U.S. robotics dialogue, featuring Prof. Henrik Christensen and Prof. Chong Woo Park of SNU, the first Korean to serve as President of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. Prof. Christensen, who has played a leading role in shaping U.S. national robotics strategy for over 20 years—from the Obama administration through the Trump administration—offered insights into the future of robotics.

He noted, “It is misleading to suggest, as Elon Musk sometimes does, that humanoid robots will soon be commonplace in households.” Based on the U.S. national roadmap, he projected that “robots currently limited to controlled environments will begin to be deployed in more general environments after 2028.” He added, “Robots will become widely adopted in society only when they achieve sufficient safety and become more cost-effective than human labor,” and concluded, “The most realistic outlook is a future where AI is used as ubiquitously as electricity through robotics.”

Responding to a student question about where robots could be applied first, he said, “If you step into the real world—whether in hospitals or factories—there are countless problems that robots can solve,” and advised students, “Focus on designing ‘robots for humans’ and pursue your vision accordingly.”

Prof. Kyu Jin Cho, who organized the event, remarked, “Through this Robotics Day, we confirmed that the direction SNU is pursuing in robotics aligns with global academic trends,” adding, “Rather than being swayed by rapidly growing public attention, we will remain committed to nurturing creative engineers capable of designing truly impactful robots.”

▲ Photo 3. Prof. Henrik Christensen answering a student’s question during the Robotics Global Forum


▲ Photo 4. Prof. Inah Lee explaining the human brain and robotic systems


▲ Photo 5. Prof. Kyu Jin Cho presenting on “Beyond Humanoids: Toward an Ecosystem of Imagination and Collaboration for Human-Centered Physical AI”


▲ Photo 6. Prof. Henrik Christensen (left) and Prof. Chong Woo Park (right) during the Korea–U.S. robotics dialogue


▲ Photo 7. Poster session held in the SNU Engineering Building lobby


▲ Photo 8. A student explaining robotic sensor technology


▲ Photo 9. Prof. Henrik Christensen listening to a presentation on a multi-object grasping robot


▲ Photo 10. A student from the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design explaining a wearable robot


▲ Photo 11. A student demonstrating a bodysuit designed for people with disabilities


▲ Photo 12. A participant operating a robotic device using a pad


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▲ Photo 15. Students participating in the poster session


▲ Photo 16. Dean Young-Oh Kim delivering congratulatory remarks


▲ Photo 17. Jin-Oh Kim, President of the Korea AI Robotics Industry Association, delivering remarks


▲ Photo 18. Soonmin Bae, Head of KT AI Future Lab, delivering remarks

[Contact Information]
Prof. Kyu-Jin Cho, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University / +82-2-880-1703 / kjcho@snu.ac.kr