AI Technology: Current State and Direction
- AI is a technology that simulates human intelligence with a computer, and deep learning through transformer architecture has recently led to rapid development.
- AI development stage: Evolving from cognitive AI(Recognition) → generative AI(Generative) → agent AI(Agentic) → physical AI(Physical)
- Agent AI has advanced to a stage where goal setting, planning, execution, self-evaluation, and plan modification are possible.
- Complex tasks can be performed through collaboration between AIs through multimodal AI and multi-agent systems.
Global AI Competition
- United States: Sees AI as a core technology for reorganizing the future order and promotes the establishment of an AI ecosystem based on liberal democratic values
- China: Emphasizing an open and inclusive approach and insisting on a UN-centered global AI cooperation system
- Europe: Focus on human-centered AI and regulatory standardization, enacting the first AI law through the AI Act
- Korea: Currently ranked 6th in the global AI index and 1st in number of AI patent registrations per 100,000 population
LG AI Research’s Industrial Innovation Cases
- Exaone: Development of a large-scale Korean-based language model, one of the five leading national AI model companies
- Application performance by industry:
- Chemicals: Reduce production costs by tens of billions of won through process optimization
- Bio: Discovery of new substance with whitening effect and registration of US patent
- Display: Annual cost savings of 200 billion won by applying AI to design and quality improvement
- Finance: Develop AI-based ETF product and achieve 40% return
South Korea’s AI Policy Direction
- Promoting four strategies to become one of the top three AI powers (along with the US and China):
- Creating a good environment for doing business with AI
- Expansion of computing infrastructure such as GPU
- Establishment of public and private data integration platform
- Expansion of AI-focused universities to 30 by 2030
- Building a society that uses AI wisely
- Expand AI literacy education
- Expansion of AI application in welfare and living areas
- Support for reskilling and upskilling of current employees
- Public sector AI innovation
- Prioritize AI transition for 30 core administrative services
- Strengthening the use of AI in disaster response
- Creation of AI-specialized pilot city
- Creating a safe and reliable AI foundation
- Establishment of a national AI governance system
- Leading role in shaping global AI norms
- Strengthening international cooperation
Challenges and Opportunities
- In Korea, which is facing low growth, low birth rate, and a hyper-aging society, AI is a key opportunity to improve productivity.
- To maintain industrial competitiveness, introducing AI is a necessity, not an option.
- Amid the US-China AI hegemony competition, there is a need to build a Korean-style AI ecosystem.
- As AI technology develops, safety, reliability, and ethical aspects need to be considered.
Future Priorities
- Strengthening the development of unique Korean AI technologies and models
- Accelerating the convergence of AI with Korea’s strong industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance
- Expanding support for AI adoption and use by companies and startups
- Leading global AI governance that ensures AI safety and ethical values