Dear Clients and Partners,
Recently, the defense field has also seen a significant expansion of the Defense AX (AI Transformation) trend, moving beyond digital transformation. Beyond simply managing data and digitizing systems, there's a growing movement to transform defense operations and decision-making processes, centered around AI.
In this issue, we'll explore the Defense AX trend, which is being discussed primarily at the Defense Data Lab, and how AI, data, and robotics technologies are connecting in the defense field. |
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Spacebank, your โIntelligent Digital Transformation (AI DX) Partner" delivers a monthly newsletter. ๐ฉ |
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ย ย ย [Preview] This Monthโs Key Contents at a Glance
ย ย ย ๐ What is Defense AX?
ย ย ย ๐ Highlights from the Defense Data Lab Operations andย ย ย ย ย ย ย Development Plan Seminar
ย ย ย ๐Spacebank Workshop: A Time to Think and Have Fun Together |
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Even in the defense sector, the Defense AX (AI Transformation) trend is rapidly expanding beyond digital transformation. Beyond simple data management and system digitization, a movement is gaining momentum to transform defense operations and decision-making processes, centered around AI. In particular, with the increasing use of military data, previously restricted and under strict security, for AI learning and technology development, new changes are emerging in the defense AI ecosystem.
This trend is gaining momentum as Sungkyunkwan University recently announced plans to collaborate with private defense companies to develop AI technology based on approximately 3 terabytes (3TB) of defense data, including tank images, military equipment footage, and gunshot sound data. Furthermore, the university has announced plans to establish a physical AI verification lab.
The effort to combine data, AI, and robotics to create intelligent defense systems that operate in real-world physical environments is gaining attention as a key direction in the Defense AX.
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Defense AX (AI Transformation) refers to the AI transformation of defense and industry as a whole. It's a concept that fundamentally revolutionizes defense systems and operations, centered on AI and data.
To explain more clearly, while the existing defense digital transformation (DX) involved digitizing information and connecting systems, Defense AX builds on this foundation by leveraging AI to analyze data, support decision-making, and even influence actual operations and operations.
For example, whereas the past focused mainly on collecting and monitoring data from sensors and equipment, the Defense AX environment evolves into a structure in which AI analyzes data generated by sensors, drones, robots, and unmanned systems, predicting situations, detecting anomalies, and intelligently supporting operational planning and response. In particular, the integrated utilization of data generated from various equipment and unmanned systems and linking it to AI-based decision-making is key.
Within this trend, the Defense AX is evolving beyond simple technology adoption to encompass data acquisition and management systems, AI-based decision support systems, integration with unmanned systems and robots, and simulation-based learning and verification. It is evolving toward a data-centric structure across all defense operations.
Recently, attempts to leverage military data, previously used in a strictly confidential and limited manner, for AI learning and technology development are expanding. This is leading to new changes in the defense AI ecosystem. The defense sector is expected to accelerate its transition from "analysis-centric systems" to "intelligent systems that support execution."
From a broader perspective, future national defense capabilities are increasingly likely to be determined not simply by the weapons and equipment they possess, but by the degree to which they utilize intelligent software and AI. Even within the same weapon system, the AI and software embedded within can significantly impact situational awareness, decision-making speed, and operational efficiency.
This transformation is expected to lead toward software-defined force structures combining weapon systems and AI, and furthermore, a "physical AI" battlefield environment combining unmanned systems, robots, and autonomous systems.
Ultimately, Defense AX is a strategic shift that goes beyond simply applying AI technology.ย
It reconfigures defense operations and operational concepts based on data, AI, and software. If this shift becomes a reality, it is expected to create a virtuous cycle where AI technologies proven in defense will spread to industry, and the technological capabilities accumulated in industry will in turn be transferred to national security.
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Inside the Defense Data Lab Operations and Development Seminar |
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(Photo caption: Participants, including Lee Won-hee, CEO of SpaceBank - fifth from the right in the front) |
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On February 27, Sungkyunkwan University hosted a seminar titled โDefense Data Lab Operations and Development Plan Seminarโ at the Pangyo Startup Campus, where a blueprint for the next-generation Physical AI Demonstration LAB was unveiled.
This seminar was designed to bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, research institutes, government, and the military to review the achievements of the Defense Data Lab jointly operated by Sungkyunkwan University and the Army Training and Doctrine Command, and to discuss future force development based on unmanned systems and Physical AI. It was not merely a venue for sharing the outcomes of data openness, but a forum for exploring an execution-oriented defense AI framework.
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(Photo caption: Mr. MAENG Kyung-moo, Director of the AI Industry Collaboration Center at Sungkyunkwan University) |
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The seminar opened with remarks from Mr. MAENG Kyung-moo, Director of the AI Industry Collaboration Center at Sungkyunkwan University. Director Maeng stated,
โThe defense field, where security is paramount, is an area with a very serious shortage of data for AI training,โ and expressed his expectations, saying, โI hope that the newly established data lab will go beyond simple data provision and become the foundation for a sustainable โwin-win networkโ where industry, academia, research, government, and the military can share ideas and create results together.โ
This was followed by a presentation from Mr. KIM Byung-gyu, Director of the Future Defense Convergence Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University, on the โAchievements and Development Plans of the Defense Data Lab.โ
Opened in Pangyo in April 2024, the Second Defense Data Lab is an off-base facility with military-grade security, where private companies can conduct AI research using military data in a secure environment.
Currently, the Data Lab operates under strict security control by the Defense Counterintelligence Command. Original data cannot be taken outside the facility; only trained outputs may be exported. The lab houses approximately 3 terabytes (TB) of high-level security-processed data, encompassing 27 types of data, including images of Russian T80U tanks, military equipment movement videos, Military ImageNet datasets, and friendly/enemy small-arms acoustic data.
Major defense companies including Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace, and Konan Technology have successfully developed firepower operation systems using the Data Lab. Currently, the Data Lab can accommodate approximately 10 people at a time, with plans to expand the space and add GPU server-level equipment in the future.
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(Photo caption: Mr. KIM Byung-gyu, Director of the Future Defense Convergence Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University) |
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Director Kim emphasized,
"Securing high-quality data is the beginning and end of strengthening AI technology to achieve victory on the digital battlefield." He proposed, "We must go beyond the individual task of acquiring data. It's urgent to allocate an independent data acquisition budget at the Ministry of National Defense level and establish a military-wide data integration hub.โ
Furthermore, the Physical AI Demonstration Lab concept was also unveiled. Scheduled to open next month, this demonstration lab, jointly developed by Sungkyunkwan University and Spacebank, will be structured to integrate and manage various robots, centered around a cloud-based Software Defined Robot (SDR) platform.
The platform features features such as OTA-based remote updates, military-standard DDS communication support, secure sensor data transmission, and VLA-based command generation capabilities, enabling data-driven robot operation. It also includes a system for comparing and learning commands generated in a simulated environment with actual physical behavior data to enhance performance.
Director Kim remarked, "This seminar is a meaningful opportunity to go beyond the initial data opening achievements of the Defense Data Lab and confirm the blueprint for defense innovation toward unmanned systems and physical AI," and added, "We will continue to fulfill our role as a base university to expand the defense data ecosystem."
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(Photo caption: Mr. LEE Joon-ho, CEO of CrowdData) |
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Mr. LEE Joon-ho, CEO of CrowdData, also shared his perspective on the future of defense AI from the standpoint of AI training data construction.
He explained,
โThe US Department of Defense is shifting its procurement system from traditional defense contractors to one centered on data and emerging technology startups like Palantir and Scale AI. They view 'data' as a strategic asset that determines national security and combat capability."
He also shared practical examples of how drones were flown day and night to capture actual K1 and K2 tank data, and how dioramas and 3D modeling were used to build data during inclement weather.
He further emphasized,
"Overseas, including China, are operating factories that produce 'physical AI' data from thousands of robots through remote control." He added, "To maintain our military's global competitiveness, it's essential to build an in-house data factory infrastructure that combines simulators and real-world data, and to cultivate specialized personnel."
The seminar also shared the operational achievements of the Defense Data Lab, which was established to enable the use of military data under secure control. The seminar aims to build a sustainable defense AI innovation ecosystem by integrating expertise from industry, academia, and research while maintaining military security.
The seminar also shared the operational achievements of the Defense Data Lab, which has been established to allow military data to be utilized under strict security controls. By maintaining military security barriers while bringing together expertise from industry, academia, and research, it aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for defense AI innovation. |
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๐Spacebank Workshop๐ A Time to Think and Enjoy Together |
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Recently, Spacebank held a workshop where team members gathered together in one place to share ideas and explore new possibilities.
This workshop went beyond simple relaxation and socializing, serving as a meaningful opportunity to develop ideas and reflect on the organization's direction.
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The program began with a Business Model Ideathon, where participants freely proposed and refined ideas that could create new value. The session followed a structured flow of Idea building โ Lightning Speech โ Sticker Voting โ Team Matching โ Idea Development โ Final Presentation. Through short presentations and voting, participants shared their ideas with one another, formed teams around topics of interest, and actively worked together to further develop them.
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During the subsequent โKeep & Problemโ retrospective, we discussed what we should maintain going forward (Keep) and what areas need improvement (Problem), reflecting on the future direction of our organization's growth. We shared our experiences and thoughts candidly, and various ideas were shared to help Spacebank become a better organization
Throughout the workshop, Fun Programs were also arranged, allowing members to communicate naturally and strengthen their bonds. Through moments of laughter and conversation, participants were able to better understand one another and grow closer as a team.
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This workshop was a meaningful occasion to discover new business ideas and reflect on the direction of the organization we want to build together. Going forward, Spacebank will continue creating new value based on the diverse ideas and energy of its members.
Moving forward, Spacebank will continue to create new possibilities through AI, robotics, and data.
Please look forward to the next story of Spacebank, which will continue to change and innovate as we prepare for the era of physical AI. We'll be back with more exciting stories in the next newsletter. |
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Spacebank Inc. sales@spacebank.co.kr
46, Dallaenae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. |
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Dear Clients and Partners,
Recently, the defense field has also seen a significant expansion of the Defense AX (AI Transformation) trend, moving beyond digital transformation. Beyond simply managing data and digitizing systems, there's a growing movement to transform defense operations and decision-making processes, centered around AI.
In this issue, we'll explore the Defense AX trend, which is being discussed primarily at the Defense Data Lab, and how AI, data, and robotics technologies are connecting in the defense field.
ย ย ย ๐ What is Defense AX?
ย ย ย ๐ Highlights from the Defense Data Lab Operations andย
ย ย ย ๐Spacebank Workshop: A Time to Think and Have Fun Together
Even in the defense sector, the Defense AX (AI Transformation) trend is rapidly expanding beyond digital transformation. Beyond simple data management and system digitization, a movement is gaining momentum to transform defense operations and decision-making processes, centered around AI. In particular, with the increasing use of military data, previously restricted and under strict security, for AI learning and technology development, new changes are emerging in the defense AI ecosystem.
This trend is gaining momentum as Sungkyunkwan University recently announced plans to collaborate with private defense companies to develop AI technology based on approximately 3 terabytes (3TB) of defense data, including tank images, military equipment footage, and gunshot sound data. Furthermore, the university has announced plans to establish a physical AI verification lab.
The effort to combine data, AI, and robotics to create intelligent defense systems that operate in real-world physical environments is gaining attention as a key direction in the Defense AX.
To explain more clearly, while the existing defense digital transformation (DX) involved digitizing information and connecting systems, Defense AX builds on this foundation by leveraging AI to analyze data, support decision-making, and even influence actual operations and operations.
For example, whereas the past focused mainly on collecting and monitoring data from sensors and equipment, the Defense AX environment evolves into a structure in which AI analyzes data generated by sensors, drones, robots, and unmanned systems, predicting situations, detecting anomalies, and intelligently supporting operational planning and response. In particular, the integrated utilization of data generated from various equipment and unmanned systems and linking it to AI-based decision-making is key.
Within this trend, the Defense AX is evolving beyond simple technology adoption to encompass data acquisition and management systems, AI-based decision support systems, integration with unmanned systems and robots, and simulation-based learning and verification. It is evolving toward a data-centric structure across all defense operations.
Recently, attempts to leverage military data, previously used in a strictly confidential and limited manner, for AI learning and technology development are expanding. This is leading to new changes in the defense AI ecosystem. The defense sector is expected to accelerate its transition from "analysis-centric systems" to "intelligent systems that support execution."
This transformation is expected to lead toward software-defined force structures combining weapon systems and AI, and furthermore, a "physical AI" battlefield environment combining unmanned systems, robots, and autonomous systems.
Ultimately, Defense AX is a strategic shift that goes beyond simply applying AI technology.ย
(Photo caption: Participants, including Lee Won-hee, CEO of SpaceBank - fifth from the right in the front)
On February 27, Sungkyunkwan University hosted a seminar titled โDefense Data Lab Operations and Development Plan Seminarโ at the Pangyo Startup Campus, where a blueprint for the next-generation Physical AI Demonstration LAB was unveiled.
This seminar was designed to bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, research institutes, government, and the military to review the achievements of the Defense Data Lab jointly operated by Sungkyunkwan University and the Army Training and Doctrine Command, and to discuss future force development based on unmanned systems and Physical AI. It was not merely a venue for sharing the outcomes of data openness, but a forum for exploring an execution-oriented defense AI framework.
(Photo caption: Mr. MAENG Kyung-moo, Director of the AI Industry Collaboration Center at Sungkyunkwan University)
The seminar opened with remarks from Mr. MAENG Kyung-moo, Director of the AI Industry Collaboration Center at Sungkyunkwan University. Director Maeng stated,
โThe defense field, where security is paramount, is an area with a very serious shortage of data for AI training,โ and expressed his expectations, saying, โI hope that the newly established data lab will go beyond simple data provision and become the foundation for a sustainable โwin-win networkโ where industry, academia, research, government, and the military can share ideas and create results together.โ
This was followed by a presentation from Mr. KIM Byung-gyu, Director of the Future Defense Convergence Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University, on the โAchievements and Development Plans of the Defense Data Lab.โ
Opened in Pangyo in April 2024, the Second Defense Data Lab is an off-base facility with military-grade security, where private companies can conduct AI research using military data in a secure environment.
Currently, the Data Lab operates under strict security control by the Defense Counterintelligence Command. Original data cannot be taken outside the facility; only trained outputs may be exported. The lab houses approximately 3 terabytes (TB) of high-level security-processed data, encompassing 27 types of data, including images of Russian T80U tanks, military equipment movement videos, Military ImageNet datasets, and friendly/enemy small-arms acoustic data.
Major defense companies including Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace, and Konan Technology have successfully developed firepower operation systems using the Data Lab. Currently, the Data Lab can accommodate approximately 10 people at a time, with plans to expand the space and add GPU server-level equipment in the future.
(Photo caption: Mr. KIM Byung-gyu, Director of the Future Defense Convergence Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University)
Director Kim emphasized,
"Securing high-quality data is the beginning and end of strengthening AI technology to achieve victory on the digital battlefield." He proposed, "We must go beyond the individual task of acquiring data. It's urgent to allocate an independent data acquisition budget at the Ministry of National Defense level and establish a military-wide data integration hub.โ
Furthermore, the Physical AI Demonstration Lab concept was also unveiled. Scheduled to open next month, this demonstration lab, jointly developed by Sungkyunkwan University and Spacebank, will be structured to integrate and manage various robots, centered around a cloud-based Software Defined Robot (SDR) platform.
The platform features features such as OTA-based remote updates, military-standard DDS communication support, secure sensor data transmission, and VLA-based command generation capabilities, enabling data-driven robot operation. It also includes a system for comparing and learning commands generated in a simulated environment with actual physical behavior data to enhance performance.
Director Kim remarked,
"This seminar is a meaningful opportunity to go beyond the initial data opening achievements of the Defense Data Lab and confirm the blueprint for defense innovation toward unmanned systems and physical AI," and added, "We will continue to fulfill our role as a base university to expand the defense data ecosystem."
(Photo caption: Mr. LEE Joon-ho, CEO of CrowdData)
He explained,
โThe US Department of Defense is shifting its procurement system from traditional defense contractors to one centered on data and emerging technology startups like Palantir and Scale AI. They view 'data' as a strategic asset that determines national security and combat capability."
He also shared practical examples of how drones were flown day and night to capture actual K1 and K2 tank data, and how dioramas and 3D modeling were used to build data during inclement weather.
He further emphasized,
"Overseas, including China, are operating factories that produce 'physical AI' data from thousands of robots through remote control." He added, "To maintain our military's global competitiveness, it's essential to build an in-house data factory infrastructure that combines simulators and real-world data, and to cultivate specialized personnel."
The seminar also shared the operational achievements of the Defense Data Lab, which was established to enable the use of military data under secure control. The seminar aims to build a sustainable defense AI innovation ecosystem by integrating expertise from industry, academia, and research while maintaining military security.
This workshop went beyond simple relaxation and socializing, serving as a meaningful opportunity to develop ideas and reflect on the organization's direction.
Throughout the workshop, Fun Programs were also arranged, allowing members to communicate naturally and strengthen their bonds. Through moments of laughter and conversation, participants were able to better understand one another and grow closer as a team.
This workshop was a meaningful occasion to discover new business ideas and reflect on the direction of the organization we want to build together. Going forward, Spacebank will continue creating new value based on the diverse ideas and energy of its members.
Moving forward, Spacebank will continue to create new possibilities through AI, robotics, and data.
Please look forward to the next story of Spacebank, which will continue to change and innovate as we prepare for the era of physical AI.
We'll be back with more exciting stories in the next newsletter.
https://en.spacebank.company/
46, Dallaenae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si,