Korea's KAPEX humanoid reportedly relies on domestic parts for over 90% of core components
A Seoul Economic Daily report says KIST's KAPEX humanoid is mostly built from Korean core parts as LG and Robostar prepare for commercialization.
KAPEX, the humanoid robot from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), is reportedly built with Korean-made parts for more than 90% of its core components. The claim comes from Seoul Economic Daily and was relayed by Humanoids Daily on 4 November 2026. The report also says the robot can walk while carrying more than 20 kilograms and can tune its grip using feedback from its fingertips.
KIST handed its core technology to LG Electronics in September 2025. Under the reported plan, LG Electronics handles the robot platform, LG AI Research works on physical AI, LG Energy Solution develops solid-state batteries, and Robostar is responsible for mass production. These are development roles, not proof that a finished robot with all of those technologies is already shipping.
KIST is also building a home-like test space and plans trials in hospitals and public facilities.
Why it matters
A high share of local parts makes Korea's wish for its own humanoid supply chain look more concrete, at a time when KIST's president says the country can stand beside the US and China. Still, the report does not show that KAPEX is ready for lasting commercial use, and no pricing or delivery date has been given. The next thing to watch is whether the full system can do useful work reliably outside the lab, ahead of KIST's 2030 target for demonstrations in industrial and everyday settings.
