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 such as GM and Universal Robots were in attendance 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 ARIDGE, an XPENG-owned company, in his keynote. He added that the company is now pushing toward global commercialization of 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 featured classic cars, such as the Ford Model T and James Dean's Porsche 356, alongside 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.
Credit: Sherri Wang
Article edited by Jack Wu
