Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Competition heats up to lead AI farming machine industry
Daedong Robotics CEO Yeo Jun-gu, fourth from left, poses at the company's office in Seoul, Sept. 2, after signing a memorandum of understanding with representatives from artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics companies to form a consortium to foster growth in the AI-powered farming and field robot sector. Courtesy of Daedong Group
By Park Jae-hyuk
Daedong, TYM, LS Mtron respectively form consortiums
Daedong, TYM and LS Mtron have each strengthened partnerships with other organizations to develop farming machines powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and take the lead in the future agricultural market.
With Korea’s rural population aging, the country’s top three agricultural equipment manufacturers are ramping up efforts to attract older farmers and help them address labor shortages with smart technology.
Daedong AI Lab's farming robot picks a strawberry in a greenhouse in July. Courtesy of Daedong Group
Earlier this month, two Daedong Group affiliates — Daedong Robotics and Daedong AI Lab — formed a consortium with domestic AI and robotics companies to foster growth in the AI-powered farming and field robot sector. This initiative aligns with Daedong’s push to develop robots that recognize human voices and offer autonomous driving features.
The farming machine maker plans to use the consortium to upgrade core AI technologies such as robot arms and hands for agriculture. Daedong also expects the partnership to address issues facing rural communities, including an aging population, labor shortages and climate change.
“The consortium marks a turning point for the domestic robotics industry,” Daedong Robotics CEO Yeo Jun-gu said. “By integrating each company’s strengths in a systematic way, we aim to deliver real progress in the agricultural and field robotics sector.”
TYM CEO Kim Do-hoon, fifth from left, poses at the company headquarters, Sept. 17, after signing a memorandum of understanding with an agriculture ministry official and representatives from artificial intelligence (AI) and machinery firms to form a consortium for AI-powered farming machine development. Courtesy of TYM
On Sept. 17, TYM launched a consortium called AI Square, partnering with AI and machinery firms and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
TYM explained that the consortium seeks to address the challenges of an aging workforce, labor shortages and rising demand for automation in Korea’s farming sector. The group will focus on developing AI that merges autonomous driving of tractors with the autonomous operation of attachments.
“By leveraging AI technology to integrate autonomous driving of tractors and autonomous operation of attachments, we can maximize convenience and efficiency for our customers,” TYM CEO Kim Do-hoon said. “We will work with our partners to innovate in smart farming, solve real-world problems in agriculture and serve as a trusted partner that delivers tangible benefits to farmers.”
In May, LS Mtron established a smart farming consortium in collaboration with the Rural Development Administration (RDA). Leveraging the administration’s data, the organizations agreed to develop AI-powered farming machines.
“With the launch of the smart agriculture consortium, we will accelerate the adoption of smart farming technologies in rural areas and commit ourselves to practical, field-focused research and development,” an RDA official said.