- Freescale MCU Course launched starting Fall 2012
- Development of human-sized humanoid robot, “Frankie,” by the end of this year
- Foundation for fostering domestic robot specialists through training programs

June 8, 2012 (requesting publication after 8:00 AM on June 11), Seoul, Korea — Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL, www.freescale.com ) is partnering with Kwangwoon University to develop a human-sized humanoid robot based on various long-term training programs designed to foster domestic robot specialists.

On June 8, a business agreement for the development of the robot industry, one of the future growth engine industries, was signed in the main conference room of Hwadogwan at Kwangwoon University, attended by Freescale Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Henri Richard, Kwangwoon University President Kim Ki-young, Freescale Korea President Hwang Yeon-ho, and Professor Park Il-woo of the Department of Robotics at Kwangwoon University.

Through this agreement, Freescale and Kwangwoon University have decided to promote the cultivation of domestic robot specialists and the strengthening of robot education capabilities through a long-term plan spanning the next 10 years. The plan includes the establishment of a robotics learning course starting in September 2012 to teach how to use Freescale semiconductor products for robot applications and development. Through this curriculum, students will develop "Frankie," a functional humanoid robot equipped with Freescale technology.
Freescale plans to help Kwangwoon University build humanoid robots equipped with various high-performance semiconductor technologies, including Freescale's Kinetis microcontrollers (MCUs), i.MX application processors, digital signal controllers (DSCs), PX series microcontrollers (MCUs), and Xtrinsic sensor product families.

Freescale's technology is widely used in commercial robots as well as in fields ranging from industrial manufacturing to personal services. At the 2011 Freescale Technology Forum US, the company first introduced a tower system mechatronics robot and development board named "FSLBOT," which is capable of walking, dancing, and interacting with external stimuli. FSLBOT is used as a robotics learning tool for everyone from advanced engineers to students and enthusiasts. For more information, please refer to Freescale's robotics solutions website ( www.freescale.com/robotics ).

"It is a very valuable opportunity to partner with Kwangwoon University, which has established and is operating the first robotics department in Korea," said Henri Richard, Vice President of Freescale. "We are pleased to help students gain valuable experience in the field of robotics by utilizing Freescale's industry-leading processors and motor control technologies."

Kwangwoon University President Kim Ki-young stated, “In line with the government’s policy to foster next-generation robots, Kwangwoon University, an IT-specialized university, plans to do its utmost to establish an industry-academia collaboration education system by jointly developing cutting-edge curricula that meet market demands with Freescale. This collaboration holds great significance for the globalization of domestic universities.”

Meanwhile, opportunities in the robot market are comprehensive, spanning medical, consumer products, home appliances, and industrial automation, and possess high growth potential. According to the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KEIT), the global robot market is expected to grow from $30 billion in 2013 to $100 billion in 2018. The size of the Korean robot market is projected to reach $10 billion in 2015, and the Korean government is actively working to lead the robot industry, including the establishment of robot theme parks in Incheon and Masan.

Kwangwoon University and the Department of Robotics
Boasting a 78-year history and producing future-oriented, creative talents, it is one of the universities in Seoul with the highest number and proportion of students majoring in electronic information (800 students per year, 42% of freshmen). Kwangwoon University’s School of Robotics began in 2010 with a student quota of 80 and a faculty of 10, and is led by Professor Jin-O Kim, who oversaw the South Korean government's robot strategy and planning. Professor Kim also holds the distinction of being the 106th recipient of the Joseph Engelberger Robotics Award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of the global robotics industry. Kwangwoon University’s robot gaming team, ‘Ro:bit,’ operates on a 100% scholarship program and has achieved excellent results in various contests since its founding, including 2nd place in the world at the 2008 RoboGames in the US and 1st place in the world at the 15th Japan RoboOne competition in 2009.