Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said to South Korean executives on Friday that robotics will become the country's next major economic sector [1].

The announcement signals a strategic pivot for the semiconductor giant as it seeks to integrate AI hardware with physical automation in one of the world's most advanced manufacturing hubs. This collaboration aims to solidify the link between AI factories and the domestic industrial base.

Huang arrived in Seoul on June 5 [1] for a four-day trip [3]. This marks his second visit to the country in seven months [1]. During a meeting held at a restaurant, the chief executive met with leaders from various South Korean companies to discuss the future of technology and industrial growth [1].

"Robotics will be South Korea's next major sector," Huang said [1]. He said that the domestic market is well-positioned for growth [2].

The visit focused on expanding cooperation across several high-tech domains, including the development of AI factories and the supply of advanced chips. Huang said that the purpose of his trip was to express gratitude to the company's partners and clients [2].

By identifying robotics as a growth engine, Nvidia is positioning its software and hardware ecosystems to power the next generation of South Korean automation. The partnership underscores a broader trend of merging generative AI with robotic control systems to increase efficiency in electronics and automotive manufacturing.

"I came to express gratitude to all our partners and clients," Huang said [2].

“Robotics will be South Korea's next major sector.”

Nvidia's focus on South Korea reflects a shift from providing the raw computing power for AI to implementing that intelligence in physical robotics. By aligning with South Korea's existing industrial infrastructure, Nvidia can create a blueprint for AI-driven automation that can be exported globally, while securing critical partnerships with the region's dominant chip and hardware manufacturers.