A South Korean startup is filming skilled workers to build a database that will teach robots complex tasks. RLWRLD (pronounced “real world”) is working with hotels, logistics firms, and convenience stores to capture human expertise for artificial intelligence.
At the five-star Lotte Hotel Seoul, staff like David Park are strapped with body cameras while folding napkins and cleaning glasses. Their motions are recorded to train robots in dexterous tasks. RLWRLD also collects data from CJ logistics workers on gripping and lifting, and from Lawson convenience store staff on organising displays.
The company aims to create an AI software layer for robots in factories and homes, focusing on human-like hand dexterity. South Korea sees this “physical AI” as a chance to leverage its manufacturing strengths, competing with US and Chinese firms. The government has announced a $33 million project to capture master technicians’ skills for AI-powered manufacturing.
RLWRLD expects industrial AI robots to be deployed at scale around 2028. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce humanoids from Boston Dynamics in its Georgia plant by 2028, while Samsung Electronics aims for AI-driven factories by 2030. Labour groups have expressed concerns about job losses, but President Lee Jae Myung has urged adaptation to the inevitable changes.
