“Physical AI” Meets “Digital Twin,” Captivating Over 80,000 Visitors

Advantech KR, a global leader in industrial IoT and edge AI solutions, announced on the 18th that it successfully concluded its participation in the Smart Factory + Automation World 2026 (AW 2026), held at COEX in Seoul until the 6th. The company drew strong interest from more than 80,000 visitors by presenting a clear roadmap toward intelligent and autonomous manufacturing.

Under the theme of “Autonomous Manufacturing,” Advantech showcased a comprehensive technology portfolio spanning from data acquisition to Physical AI-based control—moving beyond conventional automation.

■ A Three-Stage Roadmap: “Connected – Intelligent – Autonomous”

The Advantech booth was structured into three distinct zones, visually representing the stages of manufacturing innovation.

In the Connected Zone, the foundation of digital transformation was highlighted through a lineup of high-reliability hardware solutions, including DAQ, I/O, industrial network switches, IPCs, and network monitoring systems—all backed by a long-term supply policy of over 10 years.

In the Intelligent Zone, Advantech introduced edge computing technologies capable of real-time data-driven decision-making, along with AGV/AMR control solutions designed to enable intelligent movement in logistics environments.

The Autonomous Zone, the highlight of the exhibition, featured next-generation humanoid robot solutions based on NVIDIA Jetson Thor, along with digital twin demonstrations powered by NVIDIA Omniverse.

■ Core Solutions: Physical AI and Next-Generation Robotics

The Autonomous Zone attracted the most attention from visitors. Advantech’s Physical AI solution, built on NVIDIA Jetson Thor, processes 2D and 3D camera data through the NVIDIA Holoscan platform with near-zero latency. By enabling real-time situational awareness at the edge and precise control of robotic end effectors, the demonstration was widely recognized as a milestone in autonomous manufacturing—where “AI directly operates the physical world.”

Alongside this, Advantech presented its Omniverse-based digital twin solution, enabling risk-free testing through virtual environments, real-time synchronization between physical and virtual systems, and predictive simulation. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional 2D planning and experience-based decision-making, offering a new blueprint for maximizing smart factory efficiency.

Additionally, Advantech introduced a generative AI solution for AMR/MMR systems, combining Vision Language Models (VLMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enable context-aware autonomous navigation beyond simple path-following. Built on a ROS2-based modular architecture and Advantech’s “Robotic Suite,” the solution provides an ecosystem that significantly reduces robot development time.

■ The Power of a Single Brand: Full-Stack Integration

Another key message emphasized by Advantech was the value of full-stack integration through a “Single Brand” approach. From data acquisition (DAQ) and industrial networking to edge IPCs and AI analytics platforms, the entire stack can be seamlessly managed within the Advantech ecosystem.

This integration reduces compatibility testing costs between heterogeneous systems and provides one-point technical support, ultimately improving return on investment (ROI) for customers.

■ Industry-Specific Solutions and an Expanding Partner Ecosystem

Advantech also unveiled a range of specialized solutions tailored to industry-specific challenges, including:

NVH solutions for high-precision vibration and noise analysis in automotive motors and semiconductor equipment

An AI-based predictive maintenance (PHM) platform to minimize downtime

Integrated platforms such as WISE-IoT and EdgeHub that connect hardware and software seamlessly

At the exhibition, Advantech hosted a stamp tour in collaboration with seven key partners, including Movensys and CJ OliveNetworks, demonstrating the strength of its open industrial ecosystem.

Notably, Movensys presented a next-generation AI Transformation (AX) use case by integrating Advantech’s Intel Core-based edge PC (UNO-148) with its intelligent motion controller software, WMX3. This solution enables real-time integrated control of heterogeneous robots using a single PC without additional controllers. It drew significant attention for its ultra-precise synchronized control via EtherCAT, as well as its ability to avoid obstacles in real time without reducing operational speed—enabling uninterrupted production.

■ “From Digital Transformation (DX) to Autonomous Manufacturing (AX)”

An Advantech KR representative stated,

“The competitiveness of smart factories is no longer defined by rule-based automation, but by autonomy—where AI independently makes decisions and optimizes operations. This autonomy reduces downtime and optimizes energy usage, ultimately contributing to manufacturing sustainability.”

They added,

“Autonomy goes beyond robotic motion. It extends to systems that can detect anomalies and optimize energy consumption on their own. As an integrated partner, we are committed to supporting our customers in achieving true AI Transformation (AX) beyond Digital Transformation (DX).”

Following the exhibition, Advantech is accelerating Proof of Concept (PoC) projects with major domestic manufacturers based on strong on-site demand. Over the next five years, the company aims to evolve beyond hardware acceleration and platform integration into a strategic partner delivering measurable productivity improvements through data-driven, industry-specific AI solutions.

Source: https://www.etnews.com/20260318000037