LG AI Research is constructing an “AI Autonomous Lab” that conducts experiments and learns autonomously 24/7, and developing a “Robot Foundation Model” to intelligently operate entire manufacturing sites.
Beyond existing AI centered on software and large language models (LLMs), the initiative aims to shift the industrial paradigm through hardware-integrated AI that connects with physical entities like robots and automation equipment.
Lim Woo-hyung, co-head of LG AI Research, stated at the “LG AI Talk Concert 2026” on the 14th, “Our mission is to solve real-world industrial challenges and deliver tangible value to customers. We will drive real change by advancing beyond generic AI that offers plausible answers to expert AI that understands and judges countless variables and even 1% exceptions.”
LG AI Research has presented AI autonomous laboratories and robot foundation models as next-generation technologies.
The AI autonomous laboratory is an infrastructure that creates a virtuous cycle: when an AI model for material development predicts the results of synthesizing new materials, robotic arms and automated equipment perform the actual experiments, and the AI then learns from the results to autonomously design the next experiment.
This system is expected to reduce the time researchers spend on repetitive prediction, experimentation, and analysis, accumulate high-quality experimental data, and accelerate the development of advanced materials.
The robot foundation model aims to develop robot intelligence that understands the real world, makes situational judgments, and acts autonomously. LG AI Research is also developing a proprietary safety algorithm that can preemptively prevent on-site accidents caused by robot operations.
LG AI Research plans to combine these technologies with its existing manufacturing AI capabilities to advance full-scale factory intelligence. When humans set production goals and quality standards, the AI will assess the entire factory's status, integrate robotics, inspection, and equipment optimization models into a single system, and establish a “self-operating factory” framework.
Director Lim introduced, “Based on the robot foundation model, we are moving toward a future of autonomous factories where the entire factory operates as a single intelligence, beyond individual robot automation.”
On this day, the LG AI Research Center also unveiled substantial achievements from collaborations with various partners in manufacturing, science, and finance.
In manufacturing, the center introduced 'Exaone Tabular,' which understands and predicts process conditions and quality information, and 'Exaone Omni Inspect,' which inspects products without retraining even if their external images change. LG Innotek is applying the LG AI Research Center's solutions to manufacturing sites.
In science, the center utilized 'Exaone Discovery,' which designs materials and predicts synthesis results, to discover 'Ramsidil,' a substance with hair loss prevention effects, in just one day with LG Household & Health Care. It is also developing next-generation oral peptide drugs with D&D Pharmatech. The center plans to accelerate the discovery of new materials, including immersion cooling fluids for next-generation AI data centers, in collaboration with GS Caltex.
In finance, the center has applied the predictive solution 'Exaone BI' to the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Koscom. It plans to expand into global markets such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
LG AI Research plans to focus on developing 'K-Exaone 3.0,' a high-performance model that enhances agent capabilities for autonomously performing complex tasks and strengthens reasoning abilities. The company will also expand the supply of manufacturing AI to external companies beyond LG Group affiliates.
Director Lim stated, “We aim for AI that creates value in human work and enriches lives through intelligence that understands more deeply, makes independent judgments, and connects with reality.” He added, “We will make AI a transformative force for a better life, enabling anyone to become an expert and empowering experts to pioneer new frontiers.”
The development of AI technology also aligns with LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo's vision. Chairman Koo emphasized, “Technology and competitive rules are changing, and customer expectations are rising,” stressing, “We must leap forward with new innovation beyond past success formulas.”
