Join UK RAS STEPS in South Korea—one of the world’s leading centres for robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and advanced manufacturing—for a unique programme of research visits, industry engagement, networking and technology discovery.

About the visit

This intensive four-day programme will bring together a cohort of UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Technical Professionals to explore South Korea’s thriving robotics and innovation ecosystem.

Alongside attending Automation World 2027, participants will visit leading universities and robotics organisations, gaining first-hand insight into world-class research, technology development, commercialisation pathways and opportunities for international collaboration.

The visit will include:

• Research laboratory tours
• Industry-engagement activities
• Knowledge-exchange sessions
• Networking opportunities
• Exploration of emerging robotics and AI technologies

Planned programme

Travel arrangements outside the programme dates are to be confirmed.

Tuesday 2 March 2027 — KAIST, Daejeon

An afternoon visit to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, one of South Korea’s leading science and engineering institutions.

Participants will learn about internationally recognised research in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Wednesday 3 March 2027 — Seoul National University

Visit one of South Korea’s leading universities to explore cutting-edge robotics research, intelligent systems and academic–industry collaboration.

Thursday 4 March 2027 — Automation World 2027, COEX

Experience South Korea’s leading industrial automation exhibition, featuring developments in robotics, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and industrial automation.

Learn more about Automation World 2027

Friday 5 March 2027 — ROBOTIS headquarters, Seoul

Visit the headquarters of one of South Korea’s best-known robotics companies and gain insight into robotics development, commercialisation and industry innovation.

The programme remains subject to final confirmation.

Why participate?

This visit offers participants an opportunity to:

• Experience one of the world’s most advanced robotics and automation ecosystems
• Build international connections with researchers, technical professionals and industry leaders
• Learn about South Korea’s innovation and commercialisation landscape
• Explore emerging technologies shaping robotics and artificial intelligence
• Identify potential collaborations
• Bring valuable knowledge and insights back to the UK RAS community

Eligibility

Expressions of interest are invited from Research Technical Professionals who:

• Focus on Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Work within a UK university
• Meet the wider eligibility requirements of the UK RAS STEPS programme

This opportunity is not available to:

• Academics
• Researchers
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Students
• Industry professionals

Subject to demand, eligible Research Technical Professionals will normally be able to participate in one international UK RAS STEPS visit.

How selection will work

Up to 30 expressions of interest will be accepted.

Following the application deadline, applicants will be invited to participate in a community peer-review process. Applicants may not vote for themselves, and the final ten participants will be selected through this process.

Applicants who are not selected will be able to consider further international knowledge exchange visits planned through UK RAS STEPS.

How to apply

Complete the Expression of Interest form and submit a statement of no more than 200 words explaining:

• How participation would support your career development
• How your expertise aligns with the objectives of the visit
• How you would share the knowledge and insights gained with the wider UK RAS community

Important dates

Expression of Interest deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 9 September 2026—or earlier if 30 applications are received.

Provisional visit period: Monday 1–Friday 5 March 2027
Core programme: Tuesday 2–Friday 5 March 2027
Locations: Seoul and Daejeon, South Korea