SEOUL, South Korea — Robots are stepping out of science-fiction screens and into everyday life as Seoul prepares to showcase humanoids, wearable robots, smart services and robot-powered entertainment at the 2026 Seoul AI Robot Show.
The second edition of the event will take place at COEX in southern Seoul through Oct. 8, as part of Smart Life Week 2026. The show brings together 51 companies, including major technology and robotics firms and startups developing physical AI — technology designed to allow AI systems to interact with and operate in the physical world.
From factory floors to everyday life
The exhibition is built around the theme “Robots in everyday life,” with four major areas showing how robotics could be used in homes, businesses, public services and entertainment.
Among the featured technologies are MobED from Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB, a compact mobility platform, and X-ble Shoulder, a wearable robot designed to assist people with lifting heavy objects.
Doosan Robotics will also showcase robots designed for food-and-beverage services, while 26 startups will present technologies including four-legged robots and medical robots.
Seoul’s robot services go on display
The show will also give visitors a look at robotic services already being used — or being considered for future use — around Seoul.
These include patrol, delivery and coffee-making robots.
One of the more practical demonstrations will be a robot rescue challenge, where firefighters and police officers will operate robots in simulated disaster situations involving search-and-rescue tasks.
The demonstrations are designed to show how physical AI could move beyond laboratory experiments and into real-world urban services.
Humanoid robots meet K-pop and Korean culture
The entertainment zone takes a very different approach.
Visitors will see six humanoid robots, alongside performances that combine K-pop with traditional Korean culture.
Robot competitions will also feature tennis, soccer and boxing, giving audiences a chance to see how machines handle movement, coordination and control.
A robot parade will take place every day at noon, adding another public spectacle to the exhibition.
The business side of the robot boom
Behind the demonstrations is a much larger push to develop Seoul’s robotics industry.
The city says it has invested 15.5 billion won ($11.5 million) in 60 robotics research projects since 2022.
Seoul is also creating a 150 billion won physical AI fund in 2026, while developing a robotics industry cluster around Suseo Station in southeastern Seoul.
The event will therefore serve not only as a public exhibition but also as a meeting point for companies, investors and technology developers.
A physical AI forum is scheduled for Oct. 7, alongside one-on-one investment meetings.
Seoul wants people to experience the technology firsthand
The city’s approach is to let visitors see robotics in action rather than simply view them as futuristic concepts.
From wearable technology and delivery robots to humanoid performances and emergency-response demonstrations, the exhibition presents different ways machines could become part of daily routines.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government says the show is intended to give citizens firsthand experience with emerging robot and AI technologies.
With 51 companies, six humanoid robots, robot sports, rescue demonstrations and a major physical AI investment push, Seoul’s latest robot showcase is putting a very visible face on the city’s technology ambitions.
And as the machines take center stage at COEX, the bigger question is no longer whether robots can enter everyday life — but just how much of that life they could eventually reshape.
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