Robot models walk fashion show in South Korea

Entirely new models have been parading down the runway alongside humans in a first-of-its-kind event. Each human model was accompanied by a robot buddy sporting matching couture. Mach 33: Physical AI Fashion Show was staged by the Galaxy Corporation at its robot-themed entertainment park in Seoul.

South Korea's at the cutting edge of robot production and has one of the world's highest densities of robots. It boasts 1,012 robots per 10,000 workers and is a beacon for the appliance of robots in diverse roles.

The world of robotics is now transforming, with robots being deployed way beyond industrial and commercial uses, performing functions in social and cultural settings. As robots find their way into social settings, how they present greatly influences public perception of them, pointing to a brave new world for Galaxy's CEO, Choi Yong-ho.

Choi Yong-ho: Galaxy Corporation dreams of a world where robots and humans coexist and live in symbiosis. I believe that someday, humans will copy the fashion worn by robots, and conversely, robots will wear the fashion worn by humans."

Yet robes for robots carry functions beyond simply looking the part. Uniforms for robots in roles such as concierge or waiting staff present an air of greater competence and leave people more at ease.

Donning protective clothing may also limit the presence and transfer of contaminants in lab environments as well as serving robots in wet and grimy conditions. They offer a barrier to minimise rust and corrosion and an additional layer to safeguard fragile equipment.

Visitors to Galaxy Robot Park encounter an array of interactive entertainment which fuses robots, AI and K-pop culture. In addition to sashaying down the runway, the robot supermodels threw some shapes to K-pop dance and landed a few punches after slipping on satin shorts for a robot boxing match.

Having trialled designs and fabrics, Mach 33, founded by Galaxy as a humanoid fashion house, is set to premier its first collection before the year's out. View Less