- '2026 KAIST Tech Fair' to be held Tuesday

- Six commercializable technologies to be showcased

The special KAIST pavilion at the 2026 KAIST Tech Fair. [Provided by KAIST]
The special KAIST pavilion at the 2026 KAIST Tech Fair. [Provided by KAIST]

A robot that clears obstacles from its own path, a thin and lightweight material that cuts noise and vibration, a washable antibacterial filter designed for repeated use, and a technology that reduces the weight of wireless charging devices — a range of advanced solutions to longstanding industrial challenges will be gathered under one roof.

KAIST announced Monday that it will hold the "2026 KAIST Tech Fair" at COEX in Seoul on Tuesday, unveiling six commercializable technologies applicable to industrial settings.

The standout technology is an autonomous driving system that allows a robot to physically push obstacles out of its path. Developed by a research team led by KAIST School of Computing Professor Yoon Sung-eui, the system enables a robot to use its arm to clear obstructions while in motion. It is expected to enhance operational autonomy for robots in logistics and manufacturing environments.

A research team led by Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Jeon Won-ju will present a technology that reduces noise and vibration using a thin, lightweight structure. Dr. Lee Chang-woo from the laboratory of Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility Professor Jang In-kwon will introduce a component design technology that makes wireless charging devices lighter and more efficient.

A research team led by Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Yoo Hong-ki will unveil a precision optical imaging technology that uses light to produce sharp three-dimensional images of biological tissue across a wide range of depths.

A research team led by Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Kim San-ha will present a washable, reusable antibacterial metal filter technology, while a team led by Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering Professor Kim Shin-hyun will showcase a multicolor reflective material that uses microscopic dome-shaped structures to reflect light and reproduce a variety of colors and images.

Four faculty-founded startups will also participate in the KAIST special pavilion, which will be set up in Hall A at COEX from Tuesday through Friday.

Daim Technology will introduce simulation and multi-robot integrated control technologies for unmanned factories and autonomous manufacturing, while Millitrack will present an industrial precision location-tracking and spatial-recognition solution.

A2ours will showcase an air and water purification solution based on electrostatic fine-mist technology. Hypergram will present an industrial inspection technology that combines hyperspectral imaging with AI to detect contamination and surface defects that are difficult to identify with the naked eye or conventional cameras.

KAIST President Bae Choong-shik said the institute's "Beyond Laboratory" vision is about ensuring that outstanding research does not remain confined to the lab but translates into tangible value for industry and society. "We hope this event will serve as an opportunity to connect KAIST's innovative technologies with industry needs and to generate new industrial value through concrete collaboration, including technology transfer and joint research," he said.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com