RM and KEIT sign collaboration agreement
Representatives of the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for enhanced collaboration in the field of robotics with the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) at the DLR Oberpfaffenhofen site on September 8th 2023.
This MOU is a joint initiative by KEIT and RM in alignment with the Korean government's national policy to expand international cooperation in advanced industrial sectors with global top-tier institutions, known as the Global Open Innovation Expansion Policy.
RM has been engaged in international collaborative research through R&D projects with MOTIE-KEIT since 2020, and this year, they are set to embark on a new international joint project on a legged robot technology tailored for rescue operations during fire disasters. These projects are led by Prof. Dr. Jinoh Lee of the Department of Analysis and Control of Advanced Robotic Systems.
KEIT is a government-affiliated institution under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of South Korea, engaged in planning, evaluating and managing national research and development (R&D) projects in the industrial technology field. As of the 2023 R&D budget of Korean government, MOTIE manages a budget of 4.1 billion Euros, specifically dedicated to industrial technology. Among these funds, KEIT supports R&D projects related to areas such as Robotics, Manufacturing, Bio-health, and Material technology, with a budget allocation of 2.2 billion Euros.
“Through MOTIE-KEIT projects over the past years, we have been advancing the field of collaborative robotics, and we are excited to announce that our journey together is set to evolve further with a new MOTIE-KEIT project. These projects not only demonstrated the power of international collaboration but also propelled us to the forefront of innovation. The journey has been particularly enriching, as it provided us with the invaluable opportunity to forge connections with the Korean robotics society” said Prof. Dr. Alin Albu-Schäffer, Director of the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics.
Dr. YoonJong Chun, president of KEIT, said: "Through the signing of this MOU with Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, German Aerospace Center (DLR-RM), we intend to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the development of mobile robot technology for collaborative robots used in various service fields and disaster robots. We expect synergistic effects by combining DLR's advanced technologies, including precision machinery, sensors, and human-friendly robot system design, with Korea's manufacturing and commercialization expertise, to drive advancements in the future robotics industry." He also emphasized a commitment to active support for securing technological competitiveness through close collaboration, aiming to diversify the supply chain in advanced industries.