South Korea lets humanoid robots work alongside humans in factories

South Korea's industry ministry approved a regulatory sandbox exemption on October 13 allowing 20 humanoid robots from Robros to be tested alongside workers. Trials will cover semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding and logistics, with data used to revise industrial robot safety rules.

• Approval covers 20 bipedal Robros robots at four company sites
• Robots will operate in spaces shared with human workers without safety fences
• Trials run at Nepes, Sungwoo Hitech, HD Hyundai Samho and Delivery Lab
• Data will inform a broader revision of industrial robot safety rules