Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Boston Dynamics' Spot robot dog assists UK nuclear decommissioning work SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Four-legged robot Spot, developed by the Hyundai Motor Group affiliate Boston Dynamics, is being deployed in the United Kingdom to assist with nuclear facility decommissioning. Sellafield Ltd., a state-owned company operating under the U.K.’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, recently disclosed that it is using Spot at nuclear cleanup sites. Sellafield oversees the dismantling of nuclear facilities and the management of radioactive waste across the country. Many of its worksites restrict human access due to radiation hazards and complex internal layouts. To address these risks, the company introduced a robot-based inspection system, deploying Spot to conduct remote surveys and gather data in areas that are difficult or unsafe for workers to enter. According to Sellafield, the robot has been equipped with sensors tailored to nuclear environments and can navigate rough terrain and complex structures, including staircases. Spot captures 360-degree video and performs 3D scans to map site conditions, while operators monitor operations remotely through live video feeds. The robot is also used for radiation characterization, measuring gamma and alpha radiation to determine contamination levels. It has recently completed trial operations involving swab sampling inside facilities — tasks previously carried out directly by workers — significantly reducing personnel exposure to hazards, Sellafield said. The company added that Spot can operate on site for longer periods than human teams, helping accelerate overall decommissioning work. Reduced reliance on protective equipment has also cut waste volumes, while access to real-time data has improved decision-making and inspection consistency. Sellafield said deployment of the robot resulted from collaboration between Boston Dynamics and the U.K.’s Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration, enabling operations to expand from initial trials to routine use. Trial operations began in 2021, with successful testing in complex environments completed in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Spot was deployed in high-radiation zones to collect inspection imagery and radiation data. In 2025, Sellafield conducted what it described as the U.K. nuclear sector’s first remote robot demonstration outside a licensed plant boundary, confirming the potential for fully remote operations that separate workers from hazardous sites. Sellafield said it plans to continue working with partners to expand Spot’s capabilities through additional sensor packages and deploy the robot more widely for radiation mapping and environmental surveys. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-11 10:12:04 -
Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter to Step Down at End of Month Hyundai Motor Group robotics unit Boston Dynamics said CEO Robert Playter will step down at the end of this month after leading the company for seven years. According to the auto industry and foreign media reports on Tuesday, Playter told employees in an email sent the previous day that he will leave the CEO post on Feb. 27. Until the board appoints a successor, CFO Amanda McMaster will serve as interim CEO. Playter, an MIT graduate, joined Boston Dynamics in 1994 — the company’s third year — as vice president of engineering and helped lay the groundwork for its robotics business through 2012. He later served as Google’s director of robotics from 2013 to 2018, then returned to Boston Dynamics as CEO in 2019. Hyundai Motor Group acquired Boston Dynamics in 2020, a year after he took the top job. Playter is widely credited with shifting Boston Dynamics from a small research-focused organization into a commercial robotics company best known for Spot, its four-legged robot. The company also unveiled a model of its humanoid robot Atlas at CES 2026 last month as it prepares for commercialization, and said field training is underway. In his email to employees, Playter said he was proud of the company’s “remarkable achievements” over the past year, adding that it had re-established Atlas’ leadership in a fast-growing sector and strengthened strategic partnerships with Hyundai and Google DeepMind. He said the company has built a strong position and is ready for its next phase of growth, adding that a new CEO will bring the experience and energy needed for that next step.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 10:06:00 -
Renault Korea Joins Busan Local-Purchasing Event as City Pledges to Buy 10 Vehicles Renault Korea said it attended Busan’s “local products priority purchasing” event at BEXCO on Feb. 10 as a recognized outstanding company in the Busan region. The event was held as part of a business agreement in which Busan and about 140 organizations — including government and public agencies and economic groups — are working to expand purchases of locally made products. Busan said it aims to generate about 2 trillion won in added value through the effort. At the event, Busan formalized its intent to strengthen cooperation with local manufacturers by signing a letter of intent to purchase 10 Renault Korea vehicles. Renault Korea displayed the mid-size SUV Grand Koleos, produced at its Busan plant, highlighting its local production base and commitment to shared growth. Renault Korea has been regarded as a key manufacturer in Busan and has contributed to the local economy, the company said. In January last year, it updated production facilities at the Busan plant to build a future-vehicle production hub. At the “Global Corporate Investment Partnership” event during the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in October, it pledged additional equipment investment to produce electric vehicles at the Busan plant. In December, it met with Busan officials and said it would strengthen cooperation with local parts suppliers. The company also said it is supporting training for future-vehicle talent in Busan by expanding industry-academia cooperation with major local universities, including Pusan National University and Dong-A University. It has also signed public-private-academic agreements with Busan, local universities and research institutes to help build a future-vehicle industry ecosystem and support regional cooperation and hiring, it said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 10:00:00 -
Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute, Bumhan Fuel Cell to cooperate on liquid hydrogen mobility Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute is partnering with Bumhan Fuel Cell to strengthen global competitiveness in liquid hydrogen-based hydrogen mobility technology. KATRI said Tuesday it signed a memorandum of understanding with Bumhan Fuel Cell on Feb. 10 at its headquarters in Pungse-myeon, Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, to cooperate on developing and demonstrating end-to-end technologies for using liquid hydrogen. The agreement aims to secure liquid hydrogen mobility technologies that enable large-scale storage and transport of hydrogen, which the organizations described as a key energy source for achieving carbon neutrality. Under the MOU, the two sides plan to advance technologies for storing, refueling and using liquid hydrogen, and to help expand the liquid hydrogen mobility market in both defense and civilian sectors. Their cooperation will include joint technology development and demonstration to support commercialization; expanding applications across the hydrogen industry, including military and civilian uses; building related infrastructure and providing testing, evaluation and demonstration support; and developing domestic and overseas networks and identifying joint research projects. KATRI said continued cooperation with Bumhan Fuel Cell is expected to accelerate efforts to strengthen global competitiveness across the broader hydrogen mobility industry and open new markets. "Hydrogen is a leading eco-friendly energy source, and liquid hydrogen technology is an innovative technology that can contribute to improving energy self-sufficiency and diversifying supply chains through large-scale storage and transport," KATRI President Jin said. "Based on the hydrogen mobility capabilities held by both organizations, we will work actively to secure a clear technological edge across the liquid hydrogen value chain and to create, expand and grow the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 09:54:00 -
Iranian envoy highlights longstanding friendship, shared future between Tehran and Seoul SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Iran's ambassador to South Korea emphasized the enduring friendship between Tehran and Seoul and expressed hopes for deeper cooperation as the two countries look ahead, speaking at a reception marking the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Seoul on Tuesday. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea hosted the event at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, attended by about 300 guests from diplomatic, academic and business circles. "In the field of bilateral relations, Iran and Korea share deep ties grounded in a long history and longstanding friendship, which provide an important foundation for the two countries to envision a brighter future together," Ambassador Saeed Koozechi said in commemorative remarks. Marking the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Koozechi acknowledged challenges affecting economic engagement while pointing to continued diplomatic dialogue. "Although the unjust and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States have placed a heavy burden on our economic cooperation, the two rounds of policy consultations held between our Foreign Ministries in 2025 clearly demonstrate both sides' commitment to preserving and further strengthening our bilateral ties," he said. The ambassador also pointed to Iran's development trajectory in science and industry. "In the field of science and technology, Iran's capacity for knowledge production has continued to grow, marked by significant achievements in advanced technologies and healthcare, as well as the expansion of knowledge-based enterprises," he said, adding that progress has continued "despite unjust sanctions and a challenging international environment." On foreign policy, he described Iran as pursuing "dynamic diplomatic engagement and strategic cooperation based on a balanced approach," supporting dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Iran and South Korea have maintained diplomatic engagement across political and economic constraints, including periods shaped by Western sanctions on Tehran. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seoul moved to facilitate humanitarian trade channels and medical support mechanisms, including medicine shipments, medical equipment exports and vaccine-related cooperation conducted under sanctions-exempt frameworks. 2026-02-11 09:50:50 -
Arts-Tech Fusion Camp APE CAMP Seeks Participants From South Korea and Abroad APE CAMP open call web poster. (Arko photo) The Arts Council Korea, known as Arko, said Tuesday it is recruiting participants from South Korea and abroad for the fifth APE CAMP, to be held June 13-16 at COEX Magok Square Ballroom A. The program has been expanded from two nights and three days to three nights and four days. Arko also added a new opening program, the first Arko Arts-Technology Convergence Youth Forum, designed as an exchange-focused session where young creators, researchers and company workers share early-stage ideas and questions. Arko will select 80 participants from South Korea and separately choose 40 from overseas for a “global camp.” In the arts track, artists and planners age 39 and under working in fields such as literature, theater and musicals, traditional arts and multidisciplinary arts may apply. In the technology track, applicants may include professionals in performance technology such as stage lighting, sound and video, as well as advanced fields including AI, immersive audio, robotics, VR, AR, XR, the metaverse, motion capture and big data. Workers in basic science-based technologies, including life science, physics, chemistry and geology, are also eligible. To reduce language barriers, the camp will introduce an AI-based interpretation system. This year’s mission combines advanced-technology keywords such as “agentic AI” and “robotics” with themes in contemporary arts-technology discourse, including “nonhuman,” “symbiosis,” “entanglement” and “co-evolution.” Participants will form teams to develop ideas based on the keywords and build them into creative projects. Arko said it will run follow-up support programs after the camp. “APE Global Connect (research trip)” will run Aug. 22 to Sept. 14 at overseas partner institutions to help participants network with experts worldwide. “APE Lab” will support turning camp ideas into works: In the first stage, about 10 teams will receive 2 million to 3 million won per team for experimental activities; in the second stage, about three teams from the first stage will be selected for up to 10 million won per team in additional support. Application details are available on Arko’s official website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 09:48:00 -
Shin Dong Yeob’s Daughter Says Goodbye to 6-Year School as She Heads to Seoul National University Comedian Shin Dong Yeob’s daughter, Shin Ji Hyo, has drawn attention after posting about her graduation. On Feb. 9, Shin wrote on social media that she graduated on Feb. 6 and said it was not easy to say goodbye to Sunhwa Arts Middle and High School, which she attended for six years. “2026.2.6 Graduation. Sunhwa (Arts Middle and High School), which became my precious friend for six years. It isn’t easy to say goodbye to a school I’ve grown so attached to,” she wrote. “I hope I can start my 20s by gratefully walking the new path Sunhwa opened for me, holding on to our memories of laughter and tears and the valuable connections I made here.” Earlier, Shin Dong Yeob told MyDaily in an interview on Feb. 5 that his daughter was accepted to two schools and decided to enroll at Seoul National University. “It’s thanks to how well my child did. Thankfully, she had the joy of being accepted to two schools at the same time,” he said. “She decided to enter Seoul National University. She likes ballet, but she also liked studying.” Shin Ji Hyo will also become an alumna of Seoul National University like her mother, producer Sun Hye Yoon, who graduated from the university’s German language education department. Shin Dong Yeob said he left his daughter’s studies up to her and that she did well in school, adding that her results on the college entrance exam were good. Shin Dong Yeob married Sun Hye Yoon in May 2006. They have a daughter, born in 2007, and a son, born in 2010.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 09:42:30 -
Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan finishes 6th in short program, eyes Olympic medal SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan finished sixth after a flawless performance in the men's short program on Tuesday at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Cha scored 92.72 points with 50.08 technical elements and 42.64 in program components, below his personal best of 101.33 but above his previous season best of 91.60 set at last November's NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan. With his sixth-place finish among 29 skaters, he advanced to the free skate, where the top 24 will compete for medals on Friday. Cha, competing in his third consecutive Olympics after Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022, is the second South Korean figure skater to make three straight Olympic appearances, following Jeong Seong-il, who competed at the Games in Calgary in 1988, Albertville in 1992 and Lillehammer in 1994. Cha finished 15th at Pyeongchang and then placed fifth at Beijing, the best results ever achieved by a South Korean skater in the men's figure skating. After winning gold at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin last year, Cha is aiming to become the first South Korean man to win an Olympic figure skating medal. "I'm happy I was able to do what I prepared for," Cha said in an interview after finishing his short program. "I'll do my best until the end." Meanwhile, Kim Hyun-gyeom finished his Olympic debut with a score of 69.30 points, placing 26th and failing to reach the free skate. 2026-02-11 09:42:15 -
MINI Global EV Sales Top 100,000, Up 88% From a Year Earlier MINI said Tuesday it sold 105,535 battery-electric vehicles worldwide last year. The total was more than one-third of MINI’s overall sales of 288,290 vehicles for the year and marked an increase of about 88% from the previous year. In South Korea, MINI is also accelerating its shift to electrification. MINI Korea sold 1,889 BEVs last year, about 24% of its total sales of 7,990 vehicles. That means about one in four MINIs sold domestically was an electric vehicle. MINI Korea officially launched three models in the all-electric MINI family in March last year and introduced BEV versions across the brand’s lineup, including the MINI Cooper, Aceman and Countryman. MINI Korea said EV purchase subsidies increased sharply this year, helped by BMW Group Korea’s expansion of charging infrastructure. For national subsidies, the all-electric MINI Aceman was set at 4 million won for all trims, up 940,000 won from last year. With local government subsidies added, buyers can receive up to 9.5 million won (based on Haenam County, South Jeolla Province). The all-electric MINI Cooper SE was also finalized at 3.96 million won, up 930,000 won from last year. With local subsidies included, it can total up to 9.15 million won (based on Haenam County, South Jeolla Province). Separately, the all-electric MINI Cooper was named the “2025 safest city small car” based on results from tests conducted last year by Euro NCAP, Europe’s new-car safety assessment program, recognizing top-tier safety in its class. Euro NCAP said the all-electric MINI Cooper earned strong ratings across its four categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, and safety assist systems. MINI said the results showed top-level safety across all trims, from the SE to the JCW.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 09:39:28 -
Asiana Airlines to boost China flights 20 percent amid growing two-way tourism SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Asiana Airlines will increase capacity on its China routes by about 20 percent from late March as travel demand between South Korea and China continues to recover. The carrier said Tuesday it will add 28 weekly flights from the winter schedule starting March 29, bringing total operations to 161 flights a week across 18 China routes. Asiana will resume daily services on the Incheon–Chengdu and Incheon–Chongqing routes, both suspended during the winter season, beginning March 29. The airline will also expand frequencies on several major routes. Flights between Incheon and Beijing will increase to 20 per week from 17, while Incheon–Dalian services will operate daily morning flights and add three afternoon services, bringing the total to 10 per week. Incheon–Tianjin flights will rise to seven weekly from three, and Incheon–Nanjing will increase to seven from six. Further increases are scheduled for May, with Incheon–Changchun services rising to nine weekly flights from seven starting May 6, and Incheon–Yanji increasing to eight weekly from seven from May 8. Asiana said the expansion reflects China’s decision to extend visa-free entry for South Korean travelers through the end of this year and continued growth in travel demand. Following the introduction of mutual visa-free policies, about 3.16 million South Koreans visited China in 2025, up roughly 37 percent from a year earlier, while 5.79 million Chinese travelers visited South Korea, an 18.5 percent increase, according to the airline. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-11 09:30:35