Seoul: Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has said that robotics could become the next major growth sector for South Korea, highlighting the country's strong industrial foundation and leadership in advanced technology. Speaking during a visit to Seoul, Huang pointed to the growing role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and said South Korea is well positioned to lead the next phase of technological innovation.
His remarks come at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding beyond data centres and digital applications into factories, warehouses, vehicles and robots. Nvidia, which has emerged as one of the world's most influential AI companies, believes that the future of artificial intelligence will increasingly involve machines that can interact with and operate in the physical world.
Huang described robotics as a natural extension of AI development and said South Korea possesses many of the ingredients needed to become a global leader in the field. The country is home to some of the world's largest technology manufacturers, semiconductor producers and automotive companies, all of which are investing heavily in automation and intelligent systems.
During his visit, Huang is expected to meet executives from major South Korean companies including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Group and internet giant Naver. Industry observers view these meetings as important because cooperation between Nvidia and Korean firms could shape future developments in AI infrastructure, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
South Korea has become an increasingly important partner for Nvidia. The country plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain and is one of the leading producers of advanced memory chips that power AI systems. Companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are major suppliers of high bandwidth memory chips, a critical component in AI computing.
The Nvidia chief's comments also reflect broader economic challenges facing South Korea. The country has one of the world's lowest birth rates and is experiencing a gradual decline in its working age population. Economists and policymakers have increasingly turned their attention to automation and robotics as possible solutions to labour shortages in industries ranging from manufacturing to logistics and healthcare.
Experts say robotics could help South Korean companies maintain productivity and competitiveness even as demographic pressures increase. AI powered machines are already being used in factories for precision manufacturing, quality control and warehouse operations. Future developments could see wider adoption of humanoid robots and autonomous systems capable of performing more complex tasks.
Nvidia has spent recent years building technologies specifically designed for robotics applications. The company has developed software platforms, simulation tools and AI models that enable robots to learn, adapt and operate in real world environments. These technologies are expected to play a key role as industries seek to automate more processes and improve efficiency.
Huang's visit has attracted significant public attention in South Korea, where he enjoys a growing reputation as one of the leading figures of the global AI revolution. His appearances at public events and meetings with industry leaders have generated strong interest among investors and technology enthusiasts alike.
Market analysts believe the discussions taking place during his visit could lead to deeper collaboration between Nvidia and South Korean companies in areas such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, robotics research and AI infrastructure development. Some reports have also suggested that potential joint research projects are being explored, although no major agreements have been officially announced.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries around the world, Nvidia is increasingly focusing on what it calls "physical AI" where intelligent machines move beyond screens and data centres into everyday environments. Huang's message in Seoul was clear: robotics is likely to become one of the most important sectors of the next technological era, and South Korea has the potential to be at the forefront of that transformation.