The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is restructuring its research and development (R&D) framework, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and physical AI. The institute plans to deploy over 700 researchers in these fields and invest 20 billion won to enhance its computing infrastructure. The proportion of mission-oriented research, currently at 22%, is set to increase to 90% by 2030.
On September 29, ETRI Director Park Se-woong outlined this vision for transforming the institute into a 'national mission-oriented research organization' during his first press conference in Seoul's Gwanghwamun area.
"The technological paradigm is rapidly changing around AI, and fundamental changes in the research environment of government-funded research institutions, including the abolition of PBS, are beginning to take shape," Park said. "Now is the time for ETRI to create a new research framework."
ETRI will establish a strategic-focused R&D system centered on five key areas: AI, physical AI, spatial communication, spatial integration, and AI digital transformation (ADX).
AI and physical AI will be the core research pillars. Currently, more than 700 researchers are involved in AI and physical AI projects at ETRI. Park noted, "While other government-funded research institutions are also expanding their research on physical AI, which combines robotics and AI, ETRI will differentiate itself based on its large-scale AI research workforce and its own AI model development capabilities."
The institute is also accelerating the acquisition of physical AI technologies. ETRI is developing technologies for robots that can serve as guide dogs for the visually impaired, with plans to conduct related tests this year. The strategy involves securing validated physical AI technologies and components in specific fields before expanding them into other industrial and service areas.
In the AI sector, ETRI will focus on developing multimodal foundation models, AI co-scientists, and an 'AI highway' that integrates AI with wireless access networks (RAN) and 6G technology. In the physical AI domain, the institute aims to secure robotic intelligence technologies based on a robot foundation model (RFM).
ETRI is also expanding its computing infrastructure necessary for AI research. According to the institute, its current AI computing centers possess approximately 300 to 400 NVIDIA B-series GPUs.
An ETRI official stated, "We are preparing to establish a third computing center and are pursuing a plan to invest 20 billion won in next-generation graphics processing units (GPUs)." The official added that ETRI will participate in government support projects to secure additional computing resources and will create plans to jointly utilize GPUs with regional institutions.
The R&D operational system will also be revamped. The focus will shift from competitive contract projects to a mission-oriented R&D system centered on national strategic missions, aiming to increase the proportion of mission-oriented research from the current 22% to 90% by 2030. Competitive contract research will be adjusted to prioritize important and essential government projects.
A newly established strategic research planning team will lead the development of an integrated planning system across the organization. The goal is to lower barriers between research departments and identify large-scale projects centered on national missions. ETRI aims to cultivate 'boundaryless players' who conduct research across organizational and disciplinary lines, allowing selected researchers to dedicate 80% of their research time to autonomous and immersive studies.
The institute will also increase the proportion of personnel costs covered by government funding, enabling researchers to focus more on research itself rather than competing for project funding. Initiatives to reduce unnecessary administrative tasks and formal research activities, termed 'Detox,' will be implemented alongside expanded support measures for researchers, referred to as 'Vitamin' policies.
ETRI is also working on establishing an 'open R&D platform' to foster collaboration among research entities, universities, and companies, moving away from competition for individual research projects to a cooperative ecosystem focused on national issues. External experts in AI and communications will be utilized as special advisors, and systems for technical advisory committees and visiting research programs for university professors will be introduced.
Park emphasized, "We need to awaken ETRI's DNA, which has produced national achievements like TDX, DRAM, and CDMA, in the AI era. We will not be fixated on short-term results or project acquisitions but will prepare the technologies that South Korea will need in 10 or 20 years."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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