Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun Spearheads ASV Investment in Japan’s Robot Market to Boost Local Industry Growth

Ansan City Launches Economic Mission to Japan to Bolster Robot industry investment

Tokyo, Japan – December 3, 2025 – Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province, is actively pursuing global investment in its burgeoning robot industry with a 5-day economic mission to Japan, led by mayor Lee Min-geun. The delegation aims to promote the newly designated Ansan Science Valley (ASV) district – a key component of the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone – to international investors and partners.

The mission kicked off with visits to the KOTRA Tokyo Trade Center and the OMRON Automation Center, providing valuable insights into current market trends and advancements in automation technology.

A central focus of the trip will be the ‘2025 Tokyo International Robot exhibition’ (iREX 2025), the worldS largest robot business expo, commencing tomorrow, December 4th. The ansan delegation plans to leverage this platform to showcase the investment benefits of the ASV district and actively engage with potential investors. A series of meetings and details sessions are scheduled to facilitate concrete investment opportunities.

“This visit will serve as an chance to lay the foundation for global collaboration to advance Ansan into a ‘robot city’ in name and reality,” stated Mayor Lee Min-geun. He further emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities thru expanded investment networks.

The delegation includes prominent local business leaders, such as Ki-hyung Lee, Vice President of ERICA Industry-Academic Cooperation at Hanyang University, demonstrating a strong collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and economic growth in ansan City.

What specific ASV technologies is Ansan prioritizing for transfer from Japanese firms?

Strategic Investment in robotics: A New Chapter for Ansan’s Economy

Ansan City, under the leadership of Mayor Lee Min-geun, is making a significant move to bolster its local industries through a strategic investment in Japan’s advanced robotics market.This initiative focuses on Autonomous Service Vehicles (ASVs) – a rapidly growing sector with applications spanning logistics, security, delivery, and more. The investment isn’t simply about capital; it’s a calculated effort to acquire cutting-edge technology, foster collaboration, and ultimately, drive economic growth within Ansan. This move positions Ansan as a forward-thinking city embracing Industry 4.0 and the future of automation.

Why Japan’s Robot Market? A Hub of Innovation

Japan is globally recognized as a leader in robotics, notably in the development and deployment of ASVs. Several factors make it an ideal investment destination for Ansan:

* Technological Advancement: Japanese robotics companies consistently push the boundaries of innovation, offering elegant and reliable ASV solutions.

* Mature Ecosystem: A well-established robotics ecosystem, including component suppliers, software developers, and research institutions, provides a supportive environment for growth.

* Aging Population & Labor Shortages: Japan’s demographic challenges have fueled demand for automation, leading to a robust and competitive ASV market. This creates opportunities for Ansan to learn from and adapt proven solutions.

* Strong Intellectual Property: Access to advanced robotics patents and know-how can substantially benefit Ansan’s local manufacturers.

This investment aligns with Ansan’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhance its technological capabilities.

The Focus on Autonomous Service Vehicles (ASVs)

ASVs represent a key area of growth within the robotics industry.Unlike traditional industrial robots confined to factory floors, ASVs operate in dynamic, real-world environments. Ansan’s investment will target several key ASV applications:

* Last-Mile Delivery: Utilizing ASVs for efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods within the city.

* Logistics & Warehousing: Automating internal logistics processes in Ansan’s industrial parks.

* Security & Surveillance: Deploying ASVs for enhanced security patrols and monitoring of public spaces.

* Customer Service: Implementing ASVs for information kiosks and assistance in commercial areas.

* Smart City Initiatives: Integrating ASVs into Ansan’s broader smart city development plans.

The selection of ASVs is driven by their potential to address specific challenges and opportunities within Ansan’s economic landscape. This includes improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Investment Details & Expected Outcomes

While specific financial details remain confidential, the investment is structured to facilitate:

1. Technology Transfer: Ansan aims to secure licensing agreements and partnerships with Japanese robotics firms to bring advanced ASV technologies to local manufacturers.
2. Joint Ventures: Establishing joint ventures between Ansan-based companies and Japanese robotics specialists to develop customized ASV solutions.
3. Talent exchange Programs: Facilitating the exchange of engineers and researchers between Ansan and Japan to foster knowledge sharing and skill development.
4. R&D Collaboration: funding collaborative research and development projects focused on ASV applications relevant to Ansan’s industries.

The anticipated outcomes of this investment include:

* Increased Productivity: automation of key processes will lead to significant gains in productivity for Ansan’s businesses.

* Job Creation: While automation may displace some jobs, the growth of the robotics industry is expected to create new, high-skilled employment opportunities in areas such as robotics engineering, software development, and maintenance.

* Enhanced Competitiveness: Adopting advanced robotics technologies will enhance the competitiveness of Ansan’s industries in both domestic and international markets.

* Economic Growth: The overall impact of the investment is projected to contribute significantly to Ansan’s economic growth and prosperity.

Ansan’s Robotics Industry: Current Landscape & Future Potential

Ansan already possesses a foundation in manufacturing and technology, making it a suitable location for robotics development. The city is home to a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in areas such as precision engineering, electronics, and