[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] UNI CHEM.CO.,LTD(011330)is exploring the possibility of entering the market for “Smart Robotic Skin” for next-generation humanoid robots, based on its automotive functional materials technology.

The company announced on the 29th that it expects the durability, tactile properties, flame-retardant capabilities, and eco-friendly material technologies it has accumulated over decades of developing and supplying automotive interior materials and functional materials to be applicable to the exoskeletons of humanoid robots that interact directly with humans.

As global tech giants and automakers have recently accelerated the development of AI-based humanoid robots, the importance of skin materials that come into contact with humans—beyond simple metal frames—is growing.

UNI CHEM.CO.,LTD is exploring ways to apply the material technologies it has accumulated over decades of developing and supplying automotive interior materials and functional materials to robot exteriors, incorporating features such as high durability, flame retardancy, stain resistance, a soft texture, and eco-friendly properties.

The company forecasts that the market for smart exteriors—which combine sensors, heating functions, and electronic materials—will grow in the future. It also expects that functional materials based on the “e-Skin” concept will see their applications expand beyond humanoid robots to various industries, including medical devices and wearables.

Industry observers believe that as global automakers, including HyundaiMotor Group, are cultivating AI-based humanoid robot businesses as future growth engines, the role of functional materials companies—which have accumulated technological expertise in the automotive industry—will also grow.

UNI CHEM.CO.,LTD stated, “Automotive materials and robot exteriors share many technical similarities,” adding, “We plan to explore various business opportunities in the future smart materials market by leveraging our competitive edge in the existing automotive materials business.”