South Korea's Shape-Shifting Revolution: Transforming the Future of Robotics
South Korea's shape-shifting revolution: Transforming the future of robotics
South Korea has emerged as a global powerhouse in shape-shifting and reconfigurable robotics, leading with the world's highest robot density at 1,012 robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers—more than twice that of Japan and Germany. This technological leadership stems from South Korea's strategic approach combining material science innovation, modular design philosophy, and government-backed initiatives like the Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan (2024-2028) which is investing over US$2.24 billion through 2030. The country's unique ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and commercial enterprises has produced remarkable innovations in transformable robots that can adapt their physical form to meet diverse challenges, from disaster response to healthcare and manufacturing.
The science behind shape-shifting
South Korean researchers have developed several groundbreaking approaches to enable robots to change their form, each employing different scientific principles to achieve transformation capabilities.
Smart materials enabling transformation
The materials science underpinning South Korea's shape-shifting robots represents some of the most innovative work in the field. Seoul National University (SNU) researchers have pioneered advanced ferromagnetic elastomeric composites that combine:
Silicone (PDMS) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer matrices providing flexibility
Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) microparticles (5-μm average size) embedded throughout
Programmable magnetic domains enabling directional control
These materials allow for magnetic programming of different sections of the robot, enabling complex transformations when exposed to external magnetic fields. The magnetization properties follow a linear relationship expressed as M = Mp·ϕ, where Mp represents the magnetization of the magnetic particles and ϕ is the particle volume fraction.
Another revolutionary approach comes from SNU's Particle-armored liquid roBot (PB) technology, which creates robots with a liquid core and solid armor. This ingenious system uses:
Water formed into specific shapes (typically cuboid)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hydrophobic particles (34 μm diameter) coating
A fabrication process involving ice formation, particle coating, and controlled melting
This approach creates a much higher particle-to-liquid ratio than conventional liquid marbles, providing superior mechanical stability while maintaining fluid-like properties. The robot can squeeze through narrow openings, merge with other PB robots, and even transition between water and land.
Mechanical transformation systems
KAIST's DRC-HUBO, winner of the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge, employs a completely different transformation approach focused on reconfigurable mobility:
32 degrees of freedom including 1 for head, 8×2 for arms/hands, 7×2 for legs/wheels, and 1 for waist
Wheels positioned at both knees and ankles enable switching between bipedal walking and wheeled locomotion
180-degree rotating torso allows maintenance of forward orientation regardless of travel direction
Transformation reduces falling risk and increases mobility efficiency during complex tasks
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed another innovative system with their variable-stiffness morphing wheel. This technology:
Uses a chain block structure forming the wheel's outer edge
Employs wire spokes connecting the hub to the chain blocks
Changes stiffness by altering wire spoke tension, mimicking how surface tension affects liquid droplet shapes
Transitions between rigid circular state for efficient movement and soft deformable state for obstacle traversal
Enables climbing obstacles up to 1.3 times the wheel's radius height
This biomimetic design, inspired by the physics of liquid droplets, represents a novel approach to creating adaptable mobility systems without complex machinery or additional actuators.
Control systems enabling reconfiguration
The control systems managing these shape transformations are equally sophisticated. KAIST's PODO framework for DRC-HUBO features:
Real-time robot controlling architecture running on Linux with Xenomai patch
"Grape"-like organization with a central Daemon process and multiple Algorithm Processes (ALs)
Shared memory for high-speed interprocess communication
Time-synchronization ensuring deterministic control timing
For magnetic shape-shifting robots, control algorithms precisely manage magnetic field strength and direction to achieve desired transformations, while acoustic radiation force controls PB liquid robots through ultrasonic transducers (400W, 24 kHz) generating directional forces.
Pioneers of the transformation
South Korea's shape-shifting robotics ecosystem includes leading research institutions, universities, and commercial enterprises working in close collaboration.
Research powerhouses
KAIST's Humanoid Robot Research Center (HUBO Lab) in Daejeon, founded by Distinguished Professor Jun-Ho Oh, has been instrumental in developing the DRC-HUBO and HUBO series of robots. Their transformer robot technology that won the DARPA Robotics Challenge combines bipedal walking with wheeled locomotion, showcasing Korean expertise in reconfigurable mechanisms.
Seoul National University hosts multiple centers advancing shape-shifting technology:
The Biorobotics Laboratory develops soft biologically-inspired mechanisms
The Soft Robotics Research Center (SRRC), established in 2016 with National Research Foundation funding, focuses on shape-changing robotic systems
The Soft Robotics and Bionics Laboratory advances soft sensors and actuators
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has made significant contributions with their variable-stiffness morphing wheel technology, potentially revolutionizing mobile robotics and transportation systems.
Commercial innovators
Rainbow Robotics, spun off from KAIST HUBO Lab in 2011 by Professor Jun-Ho Oh, has successfully commercialized several reconfigurable robot platforms. The company has experienced substantial growth, with a 182% year-on-year sales increase in Q1 2022 and recently became a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics in 2024.
Hyundai Robotics (HD Hyundai Robotics) has developed the Plug & Drive (PnD) modular platform for reconfigurable mobility systems. Their approach to modular robotics has established them as a major player, with approximately 52,000 industrial robots sold to automakers and vendors.
Other significant companies include:
Doosan Robotics: A leader in collaborative robots with modular designs
LG Electronics: Developing service robots with modular components
Seoul Robotics: Creating 3D computer vision systems for autonomous robots
Government support
South Korea has implemented strategic policies to advance robotics, including:
The Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan (2024-2028), investing over US$2.24 billion
Plans to increase domestic manufacturing of core robot components from 44% to 80% by 2030
Elimination of 51 regulatory obstacles to innovation
The Robot Industry Support System, which provided approximately KRW 195 billion for robot-related R&D in 2021
These initiatives create a supportive ecosystem for shape-shifting robotics development and commercialization, addressing both technological and regulatory challenges.
Technical capabilities in action
South Korean shape-shifting robots demonstrate impressive technical capabilities across various metrics.
Transformation capabilities
DRC-HUBO can transform from bipedal walking mode to wheeled configuration in seconds through a process of:
Kneeling down to position knee wheels on the ground
Shifting center of mass to maintain stability
Rotating the upper body 180 degrees to maintain forward orientation
KIMM's morphing wheel transitions between rigid and soft states in real-time, with sensors automatically adjusting wheel stiffness based on terrain detection. This adaptive capability has enabled a wheelchair equipped with these wheels to climb 18cm stairs.
PB liquid robots demonstrate remarkable transformation abilities:
Can navigate through complex environments by squeezing between obstacles
Capable of engulfing and transporting cargo objects
Can merge with other PB robots by applying acoustic radiation force
Can cross both land and water boundaries due to hydrophobic particle coating
Performance metrics
DRC-HUBO specifications include:
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Walking Speed: 0.44-0.5 m/s
Arms: Capable of lifting 15 kg with force up to 200 Newtons
Battery life: 4 hours of operation
KIMM Morphing Wheel capabilities:
Obstacle Height: Can overcome obstacles up to 1.3 times the wheel radius
Speed: Current prototype operates at up to 30 kph, with target of 100 kph
Stair Climbing: Successfully climbed stairs with 18 cm steps
PB Liquid Robot metrics:
Size: Millimetric scale, typically made from 75 mm³ of water
Structural Strength: 59% greater particle mass than conventional liquid marbles
Deformation: Can navigate through narrow spaces while maintaining integrity
Commercial collaborative robots like those from Doosan Robotics feature ±0.03mm repeatability and payload capacity of up to 25kg with six high-performance torque sensors providing industry-leading collision sensitivity.
Industry applications and impact
South Korean shape-shifting and reconfigurable robots are finding applications across numerous industries, demonstrating both versatility and economic impact.
Manufacturing transformation
South Korea's manufacturing sector, which accounts for 50% of the country's robot market, has implemented reconfigurable robots for various applications:
Samsung's electronics assembly plants utilize reconfigurable robots that allow rapid retooling for different product lines, achieving
efficiency improvements of up to 30%
compared to traditional fixed automation
Collaborative robots (cobots) from companies like Doosan Robotics, Rainbow Robotics, and Neuromeka can be reconfigured for different manufacturing tasks
Doosan Robotics, with approximately 2,000 cobots sold globally, ranks among the top three cobot manufacturers worldwide
Healthcare innovations
Shape-shifting robotics is making significant contributions to healthcare:
The Revo-i surgical robotic system features modular components including Master Console, Operation Cart, and Vision Cart
SNU's Soft Robotics Research Center has developed modular upper limb exoskeletons that can be reconfigured based on patient-specific rehabilitation needs
Yujin Robot's GoCart series features modular design for hospital logistics, delivering medications, lab samples, and meals
Safety and rescue operations
Reconfigurable robots are proving valuable for disaster response and search and rescue:
The Agency for Defense Development's Autonomous Tunnel Exploration Robot can navigate underground spaces without topographic information
Rainbow Robotics is developing specialized firefighting robots in a 17.4 billion won ($13.36 million) state-run project
KAIRO 3, a modular reconfigurable robot, can adapt its shape to navigate confined spaces in disaster sites
Space exploration
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is developing modular robotic systems for on-orbit satellite servicing, with South Korea's space budget increasing by 19.5% in 2023 to 874.2 billion won ($674 million). The South Korea Satellite-based Earth Observation Market is growing at a CAGR of 8.94% over the next 5 years.
Consumer applications
The service robotics sector shows tremendous growth potential:
Modular service robots in hospitality settings like the Henn na Hotel in Seoul
Restaurant applications including robot chefs with modular designs deployed in highway restaurants, capable of producing
150 meals per hour
The service robotics market in South Korea is projected to reach US$1.18 billion by 2029
South Korea vs. global competition
South Korea's approach to shape-shifting robotics differs significantly from international competitors, with both advantages and challenges.
Unique Korean approaches
South Korea excels in several aspects that distinguish it from global competitors:
Material science innovation
: The KIMM morphing wheel and SNU's particle-armored liquid robots demonstrate Korea's excellence in applying novel materials to achieve shape transformation
Commercialization focus
: Korean robotics development typically includes clear pathways to commercial applications, as seen with Rainbow Robotics' successful spin-off from KAIST
Cross-sector implementation
: South Korean robotic technologies are being deployed across diverse sectors from manufacturing to healthcare, service, and military applications
Mobile robot locomotion
: The country leads in developing transformable locomotion systems, exemplified by KIMM's morphing wheel and KAIST's DRC-HUBO
Global positioning
South Korea's robot density at 1,012 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees far exceeds Japan (397) and Germany (415), reflecting the country's deep commitment to automation technologies. This high adoption rate positions South Korea uniquely to address its demographic challenges, including a record-low fertility rate, through technological solutions.
Areas where South Korea leads include:
Hardware-software integration for context-aware morphing
Applied research with clear commercial pathways
Government-industrial synergy through strategic policies
Areas where improvement is needed:
Core component dependency (only 44% manufactured domestically)
AI integration depth compared to U.S. competitors
Open-source community development
International collaborations
South Korean robotics institutions maintain active international partnerships:
KAIST collaborates with Carnegie Mellon University, the Technical University of Denmark, and the Technical University of Munich
Hyundai's acquisition of Boston Dynamics bridges South Korean and American robotics expertise
Korean teams regularly excel in international robotics competitions
The Intelligent Robot Basic Plan includes initiatives for international cooperation in robotics standardization
Ethical dimensions
As shape-shifting robots become more sophisticated, they raise important ethical considerations that South Korean researchers and policymakers are addressing.
Beneficial applications
Shape-shifting robotics offers numerous societal benefits:
Healthcare support
: Angel Robotics' WalkON Suit helps paraplegics walk and climb stairs
Labor shortage solutions
: Reconfigurable robots address critical workforce gaps in sectors from manufacturing to healthcare
Disaster response
: Transformable robots like DRC-HUBO navigate diverse hazardous environments
Enhanced accessibility
: KIMM's wheel system improves mobility devices for the elderly and disabled
Ethical concerns
Several ethical issues require careful consideration:
Military applications
: The dual-use potential of shape-shifting technologies raises weaponization concerns, highlighted by the 2018 controversy when researchers boycotted KAIST over AI weapons development
Surveillance capabilities
: Shape-shifting robots' ability to access confined spaces raises privacy considerations
Employment impacts
: While creating new technical roles, robotics adoption displaces some workers, as seen at the Munmak rest stop where two kitchen staff were laid off after robot chefs were installed
Regulatory approaches
South Korea has taken proactive steps to address ethical considerations:
The
Robot Ethics Charter
initiated in 2007 established guidelines for robot-human interaction
The Promotion of Development and Deployment of Intelligence Robots Act provides a regulatory foundation
The Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan aims to improve or eliminate 51 regulatory obstacles while maintaining necessary safeguards
These frameworks emphasize human-centered design principles, transparency requirements, and prevention of harm to humans, drawing inspiration from Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics.
Future horizons
South Korean shape-shifting robotics research continues to advance, with several promising directions emerging.
Technological frontiers
Current research focuses on:
Phase-change materials
that transform physical properties in response to external stimuli
Distributed intelligence
allowing modular components to function both independently and collectively
Bio-inspired approaches
drawing on natural systems like snake locomotion
Miniaturization
of shape-shifting technologies for micro-robotic applications
Strategic initiatives
South Korea has implemented forward-looking initiatives:
The Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan (2024-2028) commits over US$2.24 billion to develop robotics across multiple sectors
Core technology development focuses on eight essential components: servomotors, controllers, reducers, sensors, grippers, and software systems
Component self-sufficiency targets increasing domestic manufacturing of core robot parts to 80% by 2030
Entrepreneurship programs like KAIST's Startup KAIST support commercialization of academic research
Emerging integration
Shape-shifting robots increasingly leverage other cutting-edge technologies:
AI and machine learning
enable robots to learn optimal configurations for different tasks
5G and advanced communications
allow better coordination between distributed components
IoT ecosystem integration
positions reconfigurable robots within broader connected environments
Digital twin technologies
enable virtual modeling for prediction of optimal configurations
Sustainability focus
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important:
Energy-efficient designs optimize form for more efficient movement
Research explores biodegradable and recyclable materials
Modular designs support component replacement rather than complete system replacement
Challenges on the horizon
Despite impressive progress, several challenges remain for shape-shifting robotics development in South Korea.
Technical limitations
Key technical hurdles include:
Interoperability issues
between different modules and existing industrial systems
Control complexity
in managing increased degrees of freedom in reconfigurable systems
Energy efficiency
requirements for practical deployment in remote scenarios
Adoption barriers
Market adoption faces several obstacles:
High acquisition costs
remain a barrier, particularly for small and medium enterprises
Workforce adaptation
requires significant retraining programs
System complexity
may necessitate extensive modifications to existing processes
Competitive pressures
South Korea faces growing competition:
U.S. companies lead in deep AI integration for autonomous shape-shifting
Japanese firms excel in component miniaturization
Chinese manufacturers are rapidly advancing in low-cost modular systems
Conclusion
South Korea has established itself as a global leader in shape-shifting and reconfigurable robotics through a unique combination of material science innovation, mechanical engineering excellence, and government support. From KAIST's transformer robots to KIMM's morphing wheels and SNU's particle-armored liquid robots, Korean researchers have created systems that can adapt their physical form to meet diverse challenges across industries.
As the country continues to invest in this technology through initiatives like the Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan, while thoughtfully addressing ethical considerations through frameworks like the Robot Ethics Charter, South Korea is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in this transformative field. The integration of shape-shifting capabilities with AI, 5G, and IoT technologies promises even more sophisticated adaptive systems that will revolutionize industries from healthcare to manufacturing, transportation, and beyond.
With its strategic approach to developing both the technology and commercialization pathways, South Korea offers valuable lessons for global robotics innovation while advancing solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges, from aging populations to disaster response and industrial efficiency.