Krafton, the creator of PUBG: Battlegrounds, and Hanwha Aerospace have announced a strategic partnership, signing a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of physical artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The companies plan to establish a joint venture to commercialize this cutting-edge technology.
Krafton, a leading South Korean game developer renowned for its globally successful video game, PUBG: Battlegrounds, is strategically expanding its focus beyond the gaming industry into the burgeoning fields of AI and robotics. Hanwha Aerospace, the defense and aerospace division of Hanwha Group, specializes in developing advanced military systems, encompassing aircraft engines, sophisticated space technology, and precision-guided weaponry.
This collaboration will integrate Krafton’s software and AI expertise, cultivated through its experience in managing vast amounts of game data, with Hanwha’s industrial infrastructure and deep expertise in defense manufacturing.
The partnership will concentrate on three key areas: collaborative research and development of fundamental physical AI technologies, validation of real-world deployment scenarios and potential applications, and the creation of robust technical and operational systems.
As a core component of this strategic alliance, Krafton intends to launch a joint venture with Hanwha Aerospace. This joint venture aims to expedite the commercialization process and foster deeper, long-term collaboration between the two companies.
Krafton will also invest in a $1 billion fund managed by Hanwha Asset Management. This fund targets companies specializing in artificial intelligence, robotics, and defense technologies. The investment is designed to bolster the partners’ technological capabilities while identifying high-potential, high-growth companies across the entire sector’s value chain.
“Krafton will accelerate technology development by combining our expertise in AI and software with Hanwha’s industrial strengths,” stated Krafton CEO Kim Chang-han. He also suggested that the joint venture has the potential to evolve into a global defense technology company, drawing parallels to Anduril Industries, a prominent US defense technology startup.
Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il emphasized the importance of physical AI as a vital emerging frontier in defense technology.
“Our partnership with Krafton will present new paradigms for physical AI and future defense,” he said.
Krafton is furthering its physical AI research through Ludo Robotics, a newly formed research entity, as well as its Korean subsidiary dedicated to robotics development.
stlee0329
