LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyoon speaks throughout an interview on the sidelines of CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Jan. 7. Courtesy of LG CNS
LAS VEGAS — LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyoon stated industrial robots are anticipated to quickly transfer past proof-of-concept (PoC) levels and start engaged on manufacturing line.
“Shifting from PoC to a stage the place robots really work on manufacturing traces will take round two years,” Hyun stated throughout an interview with reporters on the sidelines of CES 2026 on Jan. 7 (native time).
He added that LG CNS isn’t pursuing competitors in robotic {hardware} however is as an alternative targeted on coaching and working robots to allow them to operate in actual industrial environments.
Hyun stated that though robotic applied sciences themselves are already near commercialization, deploying robots in actual workplaces requires extra preparation.
“Exhibiting robots shifting and having them work alongside individuals on manufacturing traces to enhance productiveness are fully completely different issues,” he stated, stressing that processes, integration with staff and operational environments should be ready collectively.
Hyun stated the two-year timeline is predicated on the time required to ascertain mass manufacturing methods quite than technological uncertainty.
“For robots to turn into price-competitive, a mass manufacturing system is important,” he stated.
In response to Hyun, constructing robotic manufacturing traces usually takes greater than a 12 months, adopted by one other 12 months to stabilize element provide chains. As soon as these circumstances are met, he stated, robots could be deployed extra extensively in industrial websites.
Whereas robots reminiscent of wheeled platforms and stuck industrial robots are already getting used at scale, Hyun stated bipedal and quadruped robots are anticipated to observe as manufacturing methods mature.
Hyun outlined LG CNS’s position within the robotic ecosystem as an on-site utility specialist quite than a {hardware} producer. He divided the robotic trade into three areas — {hardware} manufacturing, improvement of general-purpose “brains” and on-site utility — and stated LG CNS focuses on the third.
“Even when robots are outfitted with general-purpose brains, they can’t be used instantly within the discipline,” Hyun stated. “Somebody has to gather web site knowledge, retrain the robots, function and monitor them and retrain them once more if efficiency declines. That’s the position LG CNS performs.”
LG CNS is working with Chinese language robotic {hardware} maker Unitree and is utilizing robotic basis fashions developed by U.S.-based Skild AI. Hyun stated the corporate is pursuing a hardware-neutral technique and doesn’t rely on any single robotic producer or synthetic intelligence (AI) mannequin.
Hyun stated that within the period of bodily AI, general-purpose intelligence in software program will turn into standardized extra rapidly. He in contrast the development to the massive language mannequin market, the place efficiency gaps narrowed quickly.
“In the end, competitiveness will rely on how properly AI is utilized and operated in actual industrial environments,” he stated.
LG CNS is linking its robotic technique to its AI transformation initiative, aimed toward enhancing effectivity inside group associates and enhancing services by means of AI.
“Irrespective of what number of robots are produced, enlargement will probably be restricted with out firms that may choose, prepare and handle them within the discipline,” Hyun stated.
“LG CNS goals to turn into an organization that makes robots really work.”
