Hwaseong Unveils AMECA, World-Class Humanoid Robot Speaking and Laughing Robot, for First Time in Korea at 'MARS 2025'

[Suwon Ilbo=Park Chan-hyuk Reporter] The world-class humanoid robot ‘AMECA’ will be unveiled in Korea for the first time at ‘MARS 2025’ hosted by Hwaseong Special City.

‘MARS 2025’ to be held at COEX in Seoul from June 18-20 next month is a large-scale international event designed to present solutions for addressing urban issues and improving citizens' quality of life by leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) technology.

■ ‘AMECA’, Unveiled in Korea for First Time at 「MARS 2025」

AMECA is a world-class humanoid robot developed by British robotics specialist ‘Engineered Arts’. Based on advanced facial recognition technology and precision motor systems, it possesses outstanding expressiveness capable of implementing delicate facial expressions and emotions like a real person.

AMECA, first unveiled at CES (International Consumer Electronics Show) in 2022, drew worldwide attention by earning acclaim as the ‘most human-like robot’ through natural interaction with visitors. In particular, it has garnered greater attention for its capability in human-like interactions, including spontaneous conversations with humans, emotional expression, and humor.

Through continuous AI advancement, AMECA has evolved into a highly intelligent robot not only fluent in multiple languages but also possessing creative capabilities, raising its technological sophistication.

Hwaseong City Scores Major Success in Recruiting ‘AMECA’ Through ‘Power of Strategic Planning’

The domestic premiere recruitment of the world-class humanoid robot ‘AMECA’ is regarded as a highly exceptional achievement at the local government level. The city maintained close consultations and continuous communication with global companies from the initial planning stages to secure AMECA.

In particular, the city clearly presented the purpose of 「MARS 2025」 alongside the AI future city vision it pursues and consistently persuaded the company, thereby earning corporate trust. As a result, AMECA's official domestic debut venue was finalized as 『MARS 2025』 hosted by the city. This case is evaluated as comprehensively demonstrating the city's strategic planning capabilities and recruitment capacity.

AMECA will communicate directly with visitors through exhibition programs and experiential booths at 「MARS 2025」, showcasing the actual implementation level of AI technology. Visitors can experience the evolution of AI vividly by engaging in direct conversations with AMECA, going beyond mere viewing.

■ Amazon, Hyundai Motor, Kia, Shinsegae, LG U+ Confirmed to Participate in 「MARS 2025」

Meanwhile, 「MARS 2025」 will be held for four days from June 18-20 at COEX Hall C and Conference Hall in Seoul under the theme ‘Urban AI, Hwaseong Special City’. Through this event, Hwaseong Special City plans to develop the event as an open-ended technology platform where visitors, domestic and foreign companies, and experts can communicate together and directly experience artificial intelligence technology.

「MARS 2025」 will feature participation from approximately 50 domestic and foreign prestigious institutions and companies including Amazon, Hyundai Motor, Kia, Shinsegae, LG U+, and Kyung Hee University, with approximately 100 exhibition booths to be operated.

The exhibition will be composed of five sectors: △URBAN AI △Global AI △Robotics △Startups △Industry-Academia Cooperation, and each booth will provide experiential content centered on technology demonstrations and hands-on practice. Additionally, various programs including △MARS 2025 Forum △AI Talk Concert in MARS △MARS 2025 Conference △AI Industry Technology Seminar will provide venues for exchange and collaboration among participants.

Participants will be able to directly experience cutting-edge technology at 「MARS 2025」 and gauge future industry trends and directions through insights from domestic and foreign experts. It is expected that in addition to practical information about AI technology, new business opportunities between companies and collaboration possibilities can also be explored.

■ Mayor Jung Myung-geun of Hwaseong Special City: "Will Showcase Hwaseong's AI Capabilities at 「MARS 2025」"

Mayor Jung Myung-geun stated, "The fact that we are recruiting and presenting the world-class humanoid robot ‘AMECA’ for its first domestic debut at 「MARS 2025」 is a symbolic achievement demonstrating that Hwaseong is a city planning and leading the AI era," and added, "I hope that citizens and visitors will directly converse and resonate with AMECA, experiencing the progress of AI technology."

Mayor Jung further stated, "「MARS 2025」 is a platform that crystallizes Hwaseong's efforts and capabilities in pioneering the use of AI in administration and urban problem-solving," and added, "I request your high expectations and participation in 「MARS 2025」, which AI future city Hwaseong Special City has ambitiously prepared."