KCC Silicone research director Kim Hyun-woo (front row, third from left) and Park Yong-rae, a professor at Seoul National University's Robotics Research Institute (fourth from left), attend a technology seminar with researchers and staff from both sides. [Company photo]
KCC Silicone research director Kim Hyun-woo (front row, third from left) and Park Yong-rae, a professor at Seoul National University's Robotics Research Institute (fourth from left), attend a technology seminar with researchers and staff from both sides. [Company photo]

Researchers are exploring ways to use silicone materials in robot actuators, tactile sensors and artificial skin.

KCC Silicone hosted a technology seminar with Seoul National University's Robotics Research Institute to pursue those possibilities.

The company held the "1st Robot Technology Exchange Seminar" at its Giheung research center on Tuesday, together with the research team of Park Yong-rae, a professor at SNU's Robotics Research Institute.

KCC Silicone research director Kim Hyun-woo, Professor Park and researchers and staff from both sides attended. The seminar introduced "silicone polymer compounding technology," which combines silicone raw materials to achieve specific levels of elasticity, strength and durability.

The two sides also shared material technology and research findings on applying silicone to soft actuators — flexible drive mechanisms that contract and expand like human muscles to generate movement.

The robotics industry is expanding into a stage of preparing for production and real-world deployment. Domestic and overseas automakers and parts suppliers have also begun building robot component and material supply chains in earnest.

The two sides plan to establish a regular technology exchange framework following the seminar, with discussions on the potential applications of silicone materials in robotics and possible joint research projects. They intend to pursue a formal joint research agreement to deepen their technical cooperation.

"The robotics industry is still in its early stages, with no established material standards or technical benchmarks," a KCC Silicone official said. "It is important to verify the performance and applicability of silicone materials through collaboration with academia. We will strengthen our cooperation with the Robotics Research Institute."


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