[E-Daily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] “The opening of the ART Innovation Center is SFA’s solution to the new paradigm in which industrial sites are transitioning to fully autonomous manufacturing based on AI technology. We will open new horizons for AI-powered autonomous manufacturing robotics in the global market and firmly establish ourselves as a leading company.”

Kim Sang-kyung, CEO of #SFA (SFA), expressed this confidence on the 30th at the opening ceremony for the “ART Innovation Center” held at the company’s Asan plant in South Chungcheong Province. The plan is to accelerate the commercialization of manufacturing and logistics solutions that combine robots and artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of achieving full automation by 2030.

On that day, the center demonstrated the automated process at a logistics center, from incoming goods to storage, picking, and outbound shipping. Robots equipped with cameras to recognize products, conveyors, robots for storing and transporting products, and robotic hands capable of performing delicate tasks were deployed at each stage of the process. Even as attendees moved around, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) were bustling about. Equipment designed to handle various tasks in manufacturing and logistics settings was showcased, including an OHT (Overhead Transfer) system—a semiconductor logistics device that transports wafers along ceiling rails.

The ART Innovation Center is a facility where SFA validates its human-like robotic hands, autonomous mobile robots, and AI software—currently under development—in real manufacturing and logistics environments. It demonstrates technologies such as the integrated control of different robots and predictive maintenance that detects equipment abnormalities in advance. It also serves as a sales hub where clients can directly evaluate automation technologies to be integrated into their existing facilities.

CEO Kim emphasized, “This is a space where clients build trust in SFA’s technology through hands-on experience,” adding, “Based on this, we will provide our clients with a higher level of value and continue to grow.”

The company’s primary focus is replacing tasks that existing automation systems cannot handle with robots. While suction-type robots can handle approximately 70–80% of the items processed in logistics centers, they have limitations when dealing with irregularly shaped objects or items that are difficult to grasp. The company plans to supplement these capabilities with finger-shaped robotic hands and expand the scope of automation to include loading and unloading trucks.

To this end, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rainbow Robotics(277810)on the same day to collaborate on AI-driven autonomous manufacturing and robotics technology. The plan is to combine Rainbow Robotics’ robot hardware and precision control technology with SFA’s AI vision and logistics and manufacturing software. The two companies will collaborate not only on joint research and development but also on sales and marketing.

The business model involves SFA purchasing Rainbow Robotics’ hardware, integrating its own software, and supplying integrated solutions to clients. In particular, the automation expertise and field data accumulated over some 40 years form the foundation for commercialization. CEO Kim stated, “This approach offers the advantage of quickly addressing areas that are essential to the industry and to our clients.” The company plans to prioritize the development and commercialization of technologies required for clients’ actual operations over general-purpose robots capable of performing a wide range of movements.

The company anticipates that distribution logistics will be the first area of application. While manufacturing logistics is already highly automated, the company believes there is growing demand in distribution logistics to reduce labor costs and minimize repetitive tasks. The short-term goal is to consult with clients by early next year to select a specific production line for commercialization. The company is currently discussing implementation plans with multiple clients and plans to tailor solutions to their specific product lines and operational methods.

The company is also expanding its semiconductor business. Having previously focused on back-end logistics, the company expanded its supply scope this year to include front-end fabs at several major domestic conglomerates. It is expanding its equipment lineup—including OHTs and high-speed, multi-story lifts—to secure new clients. CEO Kim noted, “Our existing semiconductor business has historically generated annual orders in the range of 150 to 200 billion won, but we have set a goal and expect to more than double that figure this year.”

Overseas, the company is exploring opportunities in the European logistics market. It plans to leverage the supply experience gained from domestic manufacturing and logistics sites to secure overseas orders and will launch a dedicated global website within the next month or two to showcase its technologies and solutions.

In addition, the company plans to strengthen communication with the market to enhance its corporate value. Vice President Heo Jun stated, “We need to actively communicate with the market to accurately explain the company’s technological capabilities and secure appropriate recognition of our value.” He explained that the unveiling of this center is also part of these efforts. Regarding the trust agreement signed last year to acquire 10 billion won worth of treasury stock, he said, “We will proceed in a direction that maximizes corporate value,” adding that specific details would be disclosed at a later date.