Summary:

 

Kapex 01 is a next-generation humanoid robot developed jointly by LG Electronics, LG AI Research, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Designed to challenge the dominance of U.S. and Chinese humanoid platforms, Kapex is Korea’s flagship entry into the race for physical AI—robots that learn, adapt, and collaborate in real-world environments. With bipedal locomotion, dexterous hand control, and LG’s EXAONE visual language model at its core, Kapex is engineered for both industrial and domestic deployment. The project aims for field demonstrations by 2026 and full commercialization within four years.

 

Editorial:
 

In a world where humanoid robotics is increasingly defined by American and Chinese giants, Kapex 01 arrives like a quiet revolution. Developed by LG and KIST, this angular yet ambitious bipedal robot doesn’t just mimic human movement—it embodies Korea’s vision for physical AI. Its gait may be blocky, but its brain is anything but: powered by LG’s EXAONE model, Kapex can interpret visual cues, engage in natural language, and adapt to dynamic environments.

 

What sets Kapex apart isn’t just its hardware—it’s the philosophy behind it. This isn’t a robot built for spectacle. It’s a platform for autonomy, collaboration, and real-world utility. Whether assisting in high-tech labs or navigating domestic spaces, Kapex is designed to learn, evolve, and work alongside humans—not just perform for them.

 

As LG and KIST prepare for public demonstrations, Kapex 01 signals a new era: one where Korea doesn’t just participate in the humanoid race—it redefines it.

 

Specifications:

 

Dimensions & Build

- Height: Not published  

- Weight: Not published  

- Design Intent: Industrial + domestic humanoid for real‑world task execution  

- Construction:  

  - Full‑size bipedal humanoid  

  - High‑precision joints  

  - Tactile dexterous hands (per project description)  

- Developer: LG Electronics, LG AI Research, KIST  

- Debut: Publicly revealed in 2025–2026 media cycle (LG + KIST trailers)   

 

Mobility

- Locomotion: Full bipedal walking  

- Capabilities:  

  - Obstacle avoidance  

  - Stand‑up‑from‑fall  

  - Running (limited)  

  - Stair walking  

  - Jumping/landing (Humanoid.guide performance categories)  

- Navigation Score: 1/5 (Humanoid.guide)   

 

Note: No official walking‑speed, incline, or gait‑stability metrics published.

 

Degrees of Freedom

- Total DOF: Not published  

- Arms: Multi‑DOF arms for manipulation  

- Hands: Tactile dexterous hands (LG/KIST description)  

- Legs: Full bipedal DOF  

 

Actuation

- Actuator Type: Not published  

- Capabilities:  

  - Human‑like joint articulation  

  - Precision control for manipulation  

 

Note: No torque or joint‑speed data published.

 

Manipulation

- Capabilities:  

  - Sorting  

  - Object handling  

  - Real‑world task execution  

- Manipulation Score: 1/5 (Humanoid.guide)   

 

Note: No payload or grip‑force data published.

 

Perception & Sensors

Confirmed capabilities:

- Vision system powered by LG’s EXAONE VLM (visual‑language model)  

- Environmental perception for navigation and manipulation  

- Tactile sensing (project description)  

 

Note: No camera resolution, FOV, IMU, or tactile‑sensor layout published.

 

Compute & AI

- AI System: LG EXAONE visual‑language model (core cognitive engine)   

- Capabilities:  

  - Vision‑language‑action reasoning  

  - Task interpretation  

  - Human‑robot collaboration  

  - Adaptive learning (physical‑AI concept)   

 

Note: No CPU/GPU/TOPS or memory specifications published.

 

Battery & Power

- Power Source: Electric  

- Runtime: Not published  

- Charging: Not published  

 

Connectivity

- Cloud‑connected AI  

- Real‑time control stack  

- Research‑grade communication interfaces  

 

Note: No Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/5G details published.

 

Applications

- Industrial automation  

- Domestic assistance  

- Research and development  

- Human‑robot collaboration  

- Physical‑AI experimentation  

 

Pricing

- $150,000 

 

LG/KIST have NOT published:  

- Walking speed  

- Step height  

- Max incline  

- Turning radius  

- Fall‑recovery time  

- Payload  

- Grip force  

- Joint torque  

- Joint speed  

- Camera resolution  

- Depth sensor type  

- IMU specs  

- Battery capacity  

- Runtime  

- Charge time  

- Environmental ratings (IP, temperature, humidity)  

 

Image: kistairobot

 

Company Source:

 

LG & KIST – Kapex 01 Official Database Entry  

https://humanoid.press/database/humanoid-press-database-kapex-01-korea-physical-ai-humanoid-lg-kist/

 

Key News & Coverage:

 

- South Korea Challenges US and China with 'KAPEX' Humanoid Robot  

https://www.humanoidsdaily.com/news/south-korea-challenges-us-and-china-with-kapex-humanoid-robot

 

- KIST and LG to Jointly Develop Korean Humanoid Robot 'KAPEX'  

https://www.dongascience.com/en/news/74316