□ MFR, a company founded by DGIST President Kunwoo Lee and led by CEO Seung-yeol Lee, a senior researcher, received the “Best Innovation Award” at the “2024 Smart Construction Challenge.” The event was organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which also presented the company with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award. MFR accomplished this feat by showcasing an automated steel bolt-tightening robot, developed in collaboration with Samsung C&T.
□ The “Smart Construction Challenge” is an event that invites participation from companies (including large corporations, SMEs, and startups), universities, and research institutions. It aims to showcase and exchange outstanding technologies and ideas, while evaluating their practicality, to promote the adoption and advancement of smart construction technologies. The event is hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and jointly organized by prominent organizations, including the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Korea Land and Housing Corporation, Korea Expressway Corporation, Korea National Railway, and the Korea Authority of Land & Infrastructure Safety.
□ MFR has consistently delivered impressive results since winning the top prize at the “Smart Construction Startup Idea Contest” organized by the MOLIT in 2021. These include being recognized as a “2023 Smart Construction Powerhouse” and being chosen as a “2024 Smart Construction Technology Demonstration Company.” With this recognition, the company has accomplished the “Smart Construction Grand Slam,” securing all major accolades related to smart construction initiatives by the MOLIT.
□ MFR CEO Seung-yeol Lee (Senior Researcher, Division of Intelligent Robot) stated, “This award highlights the successful integration of construction and robotics technologies achieved through years of collaboration with Samsung C&T.” He also expressed hope, saying, “We aim for this to serve as a pivotal moment in advancing smart construction.”
□ MFR is a company established by Seung-yeol Lee, a Senior Researcher from the Division of Intelligent Robot at DGIST. It specializes in offering tailored automation and robotic services for various construction projects, based on modular construction robot technology. Since its inception, the company has gained recognition for its technological capabilities and business potential, earning the designation of a First Penguin-type startup by the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund. Additionally, it has achieved several milestones, such as signing an MOU with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' Deep Tech Tips, Samsung Electronics C-Lab Outside, and Samsung C&T. The steel bolt-tightening automation robot presented in this competition is set to be implemented at Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek semiconductor plant in early 2025.
