Asia's push into artificial intelligence (AI) is being driven by manufacturing prowess, with giants like Samsung and Hyundai backing a new startup in Seoul. Config, founded in January 2025, aims to provide the data layer for robots, much like how Taiwan’s TSMC manufactures chips. The company has secured $34 million from major investors, setting its sights on providing essential training data that will make robots more versatile.

Training large language models is costly due to computing power requirements, but gathering and labeling physical tasks data can be even more expensive. Config's CEO Minjoon Seo believes in converting this raw material so it better suits robotic needs. They focus on accumulating vast datasets of human motion, ensuring that the AI models are tailored specifically for robot use.

The startup is already generating revenue from large manufacturers and system integrators, including those in agriculture and defense. By focusing on data transformation rather than physical robots, Config aims to streamline the process of making robots more capable while reducing costs. The influx of capital will help expand their operations significantly, setting them up for future growth.

As companies increasingly seek proprietary robot AI, Config is well-positioned to fill this gap by providing the critical data infrastructure. This could revolutionize how we interact with machines in everyday life, making robots more useful and accessible across various industries.