KISTI backs AI transformation, carbon neutrality push in South Chungcheong Province manufacturing

Manufacturing AX Innovation Forum brings together industry, academia and government to explore AI adoption and environmental regulation response

Participants in the Manufacturing AX Innovation Forum pose for a group photo. [KISTI]

South Chungcheong Province, one of South Korea's most concentrated manufacturing hubs, is moving to accelerate AI-driven industrial transformation and carbon neutrality. The plan calls for integrating AI into production processes across key sectors — including automobiles, steel and displays — to boost productivity while getting ahead of tightening EU environmental regulations.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) said it co-hosted the Manufacturing AX Innovation Forum on Monday at Splash Risom in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province, together with the Chungnam Research Institute and Chungnam Technopark.

About 60 participants from industry, academia, research institutions and government in the South Chungcheong region attended the forum to discuss ways to advance AI transformation and carbon neutrality in manufacturing.

South Chungcheong Province generates more carbon emissions than any other region in South Korea, making the green transition of energy-intensive industries such as steel and automobiles a pressing challenge. The need to manage carbon emissions across the full product lifecycle — from design and manufacturing through packaging, recycling and disposal — and to respond to global environmental regulations is growing.

At the forum, KISTI Senior Researcher Kim Byeong-jeong presented on EU environmental regulations and life cycle assessment trends for export-oriented companies, outlining how the global business environment is shifting to factor in non-financial metrics such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance alongside traditional financial results. Kim also unveiled AXIS (AI Transformation Insight & Strategy), an integrated AI transformation support model KISTI developed this year.

AXIS diagnoses a company's AI capabilities across seven domains — including data, AI models and services — to assess its level of manufacturing AI transformation and provide tailored transition strategies. The model helps manufacturers identify their own AI readiness and pursue AI adoption in a phased manner.

KISTI Senior Researcher Kim Byeong-jeong leads a session at the forum. [KISTI]

Kim Jun-hyeok, a senior researcher at the Chungnam Research Institute, outlined a strategic direction for AI transformation in South Chungcheong Province's manufacturing sector. Kim analyzed the state of AI transformation-related research and development, patents and AI solution providers, and said companies should develop industry-specific "vertical AI" tailored to the characteristics of sectors such as automobiles and steel.

Chungnam Technopark introduced a customized technology commercialization support program aimed at helping the region's foundational industries make the digital and green transition.

Companies that have already applied AI on the factory floor also shared their experiences.

Ineasy presented core manufacturing AI technologies applicable to continuous production processes. AIBiz outlined an approach to transforming conventional data-collection-focused factories into intelligent facilities capable of AI-driven analysis, prediction and decision-making.

InEAMT presented a case study on applying AI to control die temperature in high-pressure die casting (HPDC) processes used in automotive parts production.

"This was a meaningful occasion to share the challenges facing manufacturing sites in South Chungcheong Province's key industries — automobiles, steel, foundational industries and displays — and to discuss real-world AI applications," said Lee Yun-seok, director of KISTI's Chungcheong Regional Innovation Bureau. "We will work with regional innovation institutions to support the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of manufacturers."

nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com