Industry minister visits Boston Dynamics, praises achievements

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang visited Hyundai Motor’s Massachusetts-based Boston Dynamics on Friday as he accompanied President Yoon Suk Yeol on his state visit to the United States. The industry minister met with Boston...

From left, Boston Dynamics Chief Legal Officer Jason Fiorillo, Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert pose for a photo in front of the company logo on Friday. [BOSTON DYNAMICS]

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang visited Hyundai Motor’s Massachusetts-based Boston Dynamics on Friday as he accompanied President Yoon Suk Yeol on his state visit to the United States.

The industry minister met with Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert and chief legal officer Jason Fiorillo to observe the company’s achievements in robot development. Lee saw demonstrations by "Spot" — the company’s iconic robot dog — “Atlas” and “Stretch.” The robots work in hazardous or unsafe environments or have the ability to lift heavy objects at a faster pace than humans to assist them in carrying out tasks.

“I’m very happy to visit Boston Dynamics, a model example of collaboration between Korea and the United States in cutting-edge robot technologies,” Lee said. “We hope for more collaborative efforts between the company and the government to strengthen our competitiveness in the industry and create new businesses.”

Lee said he anticipates the global robot market, which currently achieves sales of $28.2 billion, will annually grow 13 percent, hitting $83.1 billion in 2030.

The ministry announced long-term plans to relax prior regulations related to robots in March to foster related businesses.

“In order for a boost in the robot industry and to achieve innovative robot developments, the government’s long-term investment and support is crucial, and we hope for the Korean government’s active support of the industry as well as Hyundai Motor’s plans to expand our robot-related businesses," a Boston Dynamics spokesperson said.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]