- AI-Driven Hydrogen Technology Innovation Center (hydro*studio)
- AI-Space Solar Initiative
- InnoCORE Research Center for Semiconductor PAckaging Co-Physics DEsign Framework(SPACE-F)
- Bio-MAX Innocore Research Center
- Intelligent Defense Systems Research Group
- Safe AI Research Center
- Center for AI-Based Precision Control of Hematologic Malignancies
- AI-Convergent Consciousness Research Cente
- Mechanics-grounded Physical AI Initiative (M-PAI Initiative)
- Space Exploration Basic Research Center
- MarinE Pollution CarbOn Upcycling Circular Chemistry Center
Mechanics-grounded Physical AI Initiative (M-PAI Initiative)
KEYWORDKeyword
OBJECTIVE Objective
• Develop Mechanics-to-Action Physical AI that understands real-world mechanics and turns them into robotic action.
• Validate M-PAI through flagship demonstrations in BCI/AI rehabilitation robotics and large-scale additive manufacturing.
• Create shared research assets by linking UNIST’s core technologies, KIST’s testbeds, and industry feedback.
• Train 10 InnoCORE Fellows as independent leaders in mechanics-grounded Physical AI.
INTRODUCTION Director's Message
Greetings.
I am Sang Hoon Kang, Director of the Mechanics-grounded Physical AI Initiative (M-PAI Initiative).
For robots to act reliably in the real world, vision alone is not enough.
They must understand hidden mechanics—contact, force, deformation,
heat, flow, materials behavior, and bio-interaction—and translate
that understanding into action.
M-PAI integrates UNIST’s strengths in mechanics, manufacturing, robotics,
and AI with KIST’s robotics, bionics, and BCI testbeds.
We aim to build a Mechanics-to-Action Physical AI framework and
validate it through BCI/AI rehabilitation robotics and large-scale additive manufacturing.
We will train 10 InnoCORE Fellows through UNIST–KIST multi-mentoring,
KIST-based joint experiments, IDP-based career development, and industry feedback.
As an open collaboration platform, M-PAI will also work with industry partners
to create joint research, follow-up programs, and technology-transfer opportunities.
Physical AI that understands mechanics and acts through robots—this is the future M-PAI will help build.
Thank you.
IMPACT Impact
• Solving physical challenges in real-world robotic actions
• Connecting to strategic programs of industry, government-funded research institutes, and national growth engines
• Developing world-leading research leaders and a global research hub
TALENT Ideal Talent
Global top 1% level interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers who can connect real-world mechanics, AI models and algorithms, robot control, and experimental validation.
M-PAI InnoCORE Fellows are expected to serve as practical leaders of sub-projects and lead problem definition, mechanics-variable formulation, AI model development, robotic action conversion, experimental/simulation validation, and paper/patent outcomes.