South Korea's vision of a sci-fi future is on full display as the 2025 Future Innovation Technology Expo (FIX 2025) kicked off in Daegu. Dubbed "Korea's CES," the massive four-day event features 585 companies across 2,000 booths, all showcasing breakthroughs in mobility, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The expo floor is a glimpse into tomorrow's technology. Attendees are getting a first look at next-generation electric vehicles, "flying taxis" known as Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and advanced autonomous driving systems. The event also heavily features robotics, spotlighting humanoid, service, and manufacturing robots, alongside a pavilion dedicated to the AI chips and quantum computing that will power them.
"FIX 2025 is not just an exhibition; it represents... our shared vision for innovation," said Daegu Acting Mayor Kim Jung-ki during the opening ceremony. He stated the city aims to speed up its high-tech "Advanced Transformation" by focusing on robotics and future mobility.
Global leaders and cutting-edge displays
Global leaders from companies like GM and Universal Robots were on hand for the launch. Across the expo halls, attendees got a first look at Hyundai Motor's new hydrogen and EV lineup, HL Robotics' autonomous parking robots, and Aerobot's K-Humanoid. One of the biggest draws was a humanoid boxing performance from Unitree, highlighting the rapid advancement in robotic agility.
The show's biggest buzz centered on a modular "flying car" unveiled by XPeng Aero, which has rebranded as ARIDGE. The vehicle combines a standard EV platform with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone design.
"We're differentiating ourselves by giving cars real wings," said Wang Dan, vice president of XPeng Aero, during his keynote. He added that the company is now targeting global commercialization for its flying vehicles.
Visitors lined up for interactive experiences, including a simulated flight aboard XPeng's 'X2' aerial vehicle and demonstrations of humanoid soccer and boxing. In a nod to the past, the lobby contrasted classic cars like the Ford Model T and James Dean's Porsche 356 with the new EVs from BYD and Hyundai available for test drives.
FIX 2025 underscores Daegu's ambition to position itself as a national hub for AI and robotics. The event is a clear signal of the city's drive to lead South Korea's industrial transformation into an era of intelligent automation.
Article edited by Jack Wu