KAIST President Shin made a statement on the AI and robotics researchers' movement to boycott KAIST with regards to the research center in collaboration with Hanwha Systems on April 4. Following is the full text of his statement.

I am saddened to hear about the announcement on the boycott of KAIST for allegedly developing killer robots.

I would like to reaffirm that KAIST does not have any intention to engage in development of lethal autonomous weapons systems and killer robots. KAIST is significantly aware of ethical concerns in the application of all technologies including artificial intelligence.

I would like to stress once again that this research center at KAIST, which was opened in collaboration with Hanwha Systems, does not intend to develop any lethal autonomous weapon systems and the research activities do not target individual attacks.

The center aims to develop algorithms on efficient logistical systems, unmanned navigation, aviation training system, and KAIST will be responsible for educating the researchers and providing consultation.

As an academic institution, we value human rights and ethical standards to a very high degree. KAIST has strived to conduct research for better serving the world. I reaffirm once again that KAIST will not conduct any research activities counter to human dignity including autonomous weapons lacking meaningful human control.

KAIST will strive to contribute to the happiness and prosperity of humankind through unwavering innovations with our core value of Challenge, Creativity, and Caring as declared in KAIST Vision 2031 last month.