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Intelligent E-Skin Foundry Platform

Through the convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, sensor systems, and functional materials,

we seek to advance manufacturing innovation in humanoid electronic skin, establish a new paradigm for next-generation intelligent robotic hardware, and cultivate core interdisciplinary talent.

Keyword Keyword

Robotics Smart Mfg Physical AI Embodied AI Advanced Materials

OBJECTIVE Objectives

The objective of this research is to establish an intelligent e-skin manufacturing platform capable of directly implementing sensing, connectivity, and computation on complex three-dimensional curved structures. In doing so, we seek to fundamentally overcome the limitations of current e-skin fabrication, including heavy dependence on manual processes, low yield, long production time, and poor reliability under repeated motion, and to advance humanoid e-skin from laboratory-level prototypes to systems ready for industrial demonstration.

In addition, this research aims to connect sensing capability, interconnect architecture, near-sensor computing, and real-time response into one integrated system. Rather than simply creating “better sensing skin,” we seek to realize an “intelligent robotic surface” that can perceive, interpret, and respond immediately. Based on this integration, we aim to significantly shorten fabrication time, improve process yield and responsiveness, and secure a manufacturing platform technology scalable to diverse future robotic applications.

Furthermore, by closely linking KAIST’s source technology capabilities with KERI’s autonomous manufacturing infrastructure, we aim to create a pathway through which research outcomes can extend beyond publications and laboratories into demonstration, technology transfer, and industrial adoption. In this way, the project seeks to lead a foundational technology for future robotic manufacturing and set a new standard for intelligent manufacturing ecosystems.

INTRODUCTION Director's Message



Greetings.

I am Jitae Kim from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST.

We are now at an important turning point where humanoid robots are beginning to move beyond laboratories and into real industrial environments. For this transition to become reality, however, the manufacturing technologies that physically embody robotic intelligence must advance just as much as the intelligence itself. In particular, robotic hands and electronic skin require both delicate sensing capability and reliable operation under repeated motion, yet they still remain constrained by manual processes and limited productivity. Without overcoming this challenge, the meaningful deployment and mass production of humanoids will remain difficult.

This research begins with that recognition. We no longer view e-skin as something to be attached and assembled. Instead, we propose a new manufacturing paradigm in which sensing, connectivity, and computation are directly implemented on complex robotic structures through intelligent manufacturing systems. This represents more than an improvement in individual components or isolated processes; it is the establishment of an integrated platform technology capable of realizing robotic hardware with greater precision, speed, and reliability.

What makes this effort especially meaningful is its attempt to connect functional materials, sensor systems, autonomous manufacturing, intelligent control, and robotic demonstration into a single coherent framework. We believe that when KAIST’s source technologies are tightly coupled with KERI’s manufacturing infrastructure, scientific achievement can be translated into manufacturing innovation verified in real industrial settings. Through this research, we hope to open a new order of intelligent manufacturing that will serve as a foundation for the future humanoid industry

Thank you.

IMPACT Impact

Technological Advancement

By shifting e-skin fabrication from labor-intensive assembly to intelligent autonomous manufacturing, this research can establish the foundation for next-generation robotic hardware in which sensing, connectivity, computation, and response are seamlessly integrated. It presents a new technological order for achieving high precision and reliability even on complex curved structures, and may become a turning point in future robotic manufacturing.

Industrial Transformation

By addressing the longstanding limitations of long fabrication time and low yield in e-skin production, the project can help relieve a critical bottleneck in humanoid commercialization. More broadly, it can improve the productivity and scalability of application-specific robotic surface technologies needed across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and service industries, thereby contributing to the formation of real markets for future robotics.

National Strategy

This research holds strategic significance in strengthening Korea’s technological leadership in the intersecting fields of artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and functional materials. In particular, its research structure—combining source technologies with demonstration infrastructure—can simultaneously enhance technological independence and industrial diffusion, serving as a basis for future standardization, technology transfer, and global competitiveness.

Ecosystem Expansion

By promoting collaboration among universities, national laboratories, and industry, this research can foster an innovation ecosystem in which research, demonstration, and commercialization are not disconnected. As a result, its impact can extend beyond a single project to contribute to a sustainable research and industrial ecosystem across the broader field of next-generation intelligent manufacturing.

TALENT Ideal Talent

Built on interdisciplinary capabilities spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, sensor systems, and functional materials, we seek talent who can define new standards for future robotic manufacturing and bring them into real-world practice.

Problem Framing with Engineering Depth : The ability to define complex challenges in robotics and manufacturing with structural clarity, and to set directions for meaningful solutions grounded in engineering insight.

Systems Integration across AI and Manufacturing : The capability to integrate AI, manufacturing, robotics, materials, sensing, and control not as isolated elements, but as one coherent and working system

Translational Leadership for Real-World Impact : A mindset and leadership capacity to extend research outcomes into demonstration, collaboration, technology transfer, and industrial impact, thereby translating academic excellence into real-world value.

FACULTY Faculty