Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has revealed how startups backed by their research achievements drive innovation.
The institute made this revelation on September 30, as humanoid robots from their startups garnered attention for their ability to work at shipyards and walk on streets.
The robots in question are built by DIDEN Robotics and Eurobotics. DIDEN Robotics has introduced its innovative ‘Seoungwol’ robot technology, which allows robots to crawl and work across steel walls and ceilings.
Meanwhile, Eurobotics is commercializing a humanoid walking technology. The startup will officially present it at the ‘Humanoids 2025’ conference on October 1.
All about the DIDEN robots
DIDEN Robotics has launched a quadrupedal robot designed for high-risk work environments. Named DIDEN 30, this robot has a foot-shaped structure and magnetic feet. It usually works in areas that humans find difficult to access.
The DIDEN 30 has successfully passed shipyard tests by stepping over steel stiffeners and is being upgraded for tasks like welding and painting by 2026. Meanwhile, the company is also working on DIDE Walker, a bipedal walking robot that can walk with stability in complex industrial environments.
Diden Robotics has also partnered with major domestic shipyards, including Samsung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho, and Hanwha Ocean, to develop customized robots.
“The successful tests at the Samsung Heavy Industries site proved the practicality and stability of our technology,” said Joon-Ha Kim, CEO of Diden Robotics.
“We will establish ourselves as a leading company in solving labor shortages and driving automation in the shipbuilding industry,” he added.
Eurobotics and autonomous walking
Eurobotics has made significant advances in the walking technology for indoor and outdoor industrial sites, including rough terrains. The company recently released a video showcasing their humanoid walking naturally through the crowd in downtown Gangnam.
The robot uses a Blind Walking Controller, the core technology that allows it to walk without cameras or sensors. Instead, it relies on its internal system to ‘imagine’ the ground. This allows it to walk steadily on sidewalks, slopes, and stairs in any lighting or weather.
“This video is the first step toward complete humanoid autonomous walking. We will develop KAIST’s research achievements into technologies that can be immediately utilized in industrial settings,” said Byung-ho Yoo, CEO of Eurobotics.
Support for the startups
The KAIST Startup Center is committed to supporting startups to thrive and build their products.
“We will provide close support from the initial stages to help the on-campus robotics industry grow actively and assist them in settling down stably,” said Hyeonmin Bae, Head of the KAIST Startup Center.
President of KAIST, Kwang Hyung Lee, also praised the achievements and pledged support and contributions to the robotics industry.
“This achievement is a representative case showing that KAIST’s fundamental technologies are rapidly spreading to industrial fields through startups. KAIST will continue to actively support innovative entrepreneurship based on challenging research and help lead the global robotics industry,” he said.