Held at DDP from February 28th to March 1st… "Physical AI: Feel It with Your Body"

▲ Seoul AI Festival 2026 Poster

[Korea Education Newspaper] Seventeen domestic humanoid robots capable of walking, moving their arms, and understanding human speech will gather at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will host the "Seoul AI Festival 2026" at DDP Art Hall 1 for two days, from February 28 to March 1.

This event, themed “AI spoke to me – Physical AI in everyday life that you can feel with your body,” is a participatory festival designed to allow citizens to directly experience how artificial intelligence is being implemented as “physical AI” technology that goes beyond software and has tangible forms such as robots, devices, and wearables.

The "Seoul AI Festival 2026" is hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and organized by the Seoul AI Foundation. It is sponsored and supported by the Korea Robot Industry Advancement Institute and "Geekble," a science and engineering YouTube channel with 1.2 million subscribers. This year, the festival has expanded participation for children and families, taking place over the weekend before the start of the school year. The festival will feature nine zones, three more than last year.

▲ It consists of the 'AI Gallery' that exhibits the winning works of the citizen contest, ▲ 'AI Seoul Inside' that introduces Seoul City's AI policies and achievements, ▲ 'AI Flexpot' where family competitions are held, ▲ 'Humanoid Robot Zone', 'AI Life Showroom', 'Odd Science Zone', 'AI Technology Experience Zone', and 'AI Fun Spot' where you can experience physical AI in everyday life, and ▲ 'AI Odyssey' where lectures and discussions are held by representatives of domestic listed robot companies.

A highlight of this year's festival is the newly established "Humanoid Robot Zone." The fully autonomous, agile robot "Uchibot" will be unveiled to the public for the first time in Korea at this event, along with a variety of humanoid and wearable robots, including the AI ​​Worker, NAMY, and the Angelsuit H10.

Some robots demonstrate real-world behaviors, such as autonomous walking, object handling, and wearable walking assistance. Visitors don't simply "see" the technology; they can experience its movements up close and interact with the robots. The focus is on "experience" rather than technical explanations, allowing people of all ages to naturally connect with the robots.

The AI ​​Technology Experience Zone and AI Life Showroom offer hands-on experience with life-related technologies like AI care robots, voice-recognition smart glasses, AI-based health diagnostic solutions, and autonomous driving service robots. Beyond simple demonstrations, the focus is on real-world usage, demonstrating the practical applicability of physical AI.

We also run the "Odd Science Zone," a collaboration with science and engineering influencer Geekble, which boasts 1.2 million subscribers. This interactive exhibit, featuring AI-powered waste sorting machines, AI security robots, and IoT server access points, provides intuitive explanations of scientific principles.

On-site docents provide explanations for each piece to help children and young visitors understand the exhibits, and the exhibits are designed to allow them to enjoy science as a game.

The stage program is also diverse. On February 28th, Angel Robotics CEO Nammin Cho will give a lecture on "Physical AI," followed by a discussion with representatives from domestic robotics companies and a lecture by Geekble's Sudragon on March 1st. The Seoul AI Golden Bell and contest awards ceremony will also be held over two days.

Pre-registration is available on the Seoul AI Festival official website until February 27th, and on-site registration is also available.

A competition for families will also be held, continuing from last year. The AI ​​100-Day Writing and Drawing Contest will be held for families with children aged 7 to 12, using AI tools to write and draw.

The AI ​​Robot Family Competition selects winners by having families with children under the age of 10 assemble robot kits and complete mission challenges.

Pre-registration will be open until 4:00 PM on February 25th, with 50 teams per round on a first-come, first-served basis. Selection results will be announced at 6:00 PM on the same day. Pre-registration for the event is available on the official website until February 27th, and on-site registration is also available.

Kim Man-ki, Chairman of the Seoul AI Foundation, said, “AI technology has reached a stage where it is spreading beyond laboratories and industrial sites into the daily lives of citizens,” and added, “The Seoul AI Festival will become an experiential venue where Seoul citizens can directly see, touch, and experience Physical AI through experiential programs centered around Physical AI.”

Kang Ok-hyun, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Digital City Bureau, said, "You will be able to see on-site how robots and AI solve everyday problems," and added, "Through this public festival that combines experience and education, we will lay the foundation for Seoul to leap forward as a leading city in physical AI."

[News Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government]