GS E&C partners with Daedong Robotics to develop AI field robots

Cho Sung-han, left, chief technology officer at GS E&C, and Kang Seong-cheol, CEO of Daedong Robotics, pose after signing a memorandum of understanding on collaboration on AI-powered construction automation in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of GS E&C

GS E&C has joined hands with Daedong Robotics to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation technologies at construction sites.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday at GS E&C's research and development center in Seoul to collaborate on the development of construction-site automation solutions utilizing AI field robots, the builder said Tuesday.

The partnership will begin with pilot projects deploying Daedong Robotics' autonomous mobile robots at construction sites and expand toward the joint development of robot models optimized for the construction environment.

The initiative is aimed at verifying the applicability of physical AI technologies — AI systems capable of performing real-world tasks such as movement, transportation and repetitive operations — in construction settings.

Under the agreement, the companies will explore the use of robots in areas where practical challenges persist, including material transportation and repetitive, labor-intensive tasks. Through on-site demonstrations, they plan to gradually validate the robots' performance and safety while assessing their commercial viability for construction projects.

GS E&C will provide construction-site expertise and testing infrastructure, while Daedong Robotics will contribute its AI and autonomous navigation technologies, along with operational know-how. The companies also intend to utilize data collected during field trials to define the functional requirements and operating conditions needed for construction-specific robots.

The collaboration extends beyond applying existing robotic solutions. The partners plan to jointly develop robot models tailored to the unique demands of construction sites, where workspaces frequently change and workers, equipment and materials are constantly moving throughout the space. Such environments require higher levels of safety, durability, adaptability and operational convenience than conventional industrial settings.

"Digital transformation and automation are key priorities for improving safety and productivity in the construction industry," a GS E&C official said. "Through field demonstrations of AI autonomous robots, we aim to verify their practical feasibility and secure technologies optimized for construction environments to strengthen our competitiveness in smart construction."

Founded in 2024, Daedong Robotics specializes in robotic solutions and has expanded its business by launching agricultural transport robots. The company is now broadening the application of its technologies beyond agriculture into manufacturing, construction and other industrial sectors.