Gov't to push for AI transformation of major industrial complexes

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan delivers an opening speech during the strategic meeting on the Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) Alliance in Seoul, Dec. 29, 2025. Yonhap

The government will support the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation of major industrial complexes to foster the innovative growth of manufacturing industries, the industry ministry said Thursday.

The Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) Alliance, a public-private cooperation working for the AI transformation of manufacturing industries, formed a division dedicated to helping industrial complexes actively adopt AI technologies for innovation, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

The division comprises representatives of 10 major industrial zones across the country, including those in Ansan, Changwon, Gwangju, Ulsan and Yeosu, which house manufacturing facilities of major industries, such as machinery, automobile, defense, shipbuilding and chemical.

The government, along with the M.AX Alliance, will work to build automated factories operating on an AI system across the complexes and make the areas hubs for manufacturing AI ecosystems.

The ministry added it will also support the establishment of essential AI infrastructure across the complexes, attracting data centers and installing fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks.

The M.AX Alliance was launched last year in a bid to make Korea a global leader in the AI transformation of manufacturing industries.

The alliance comprises some 1,000 major companies and research institutes, including tech giant Samsung Electronics, auto giant Hyundai Motor Group, home appliances maker LG Electronics and robotics firm Rainbow Robotics.