The Seoul Science Center has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Smilegate Future Lab at their headquarters in Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, to promote creative education for youth using robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), as announced on Tuesday.
This partnership aims to connect innovative learning programs from both public and private sectors, offering young people opportunities to design and solve problems using robotics and AI outside the traditional classroom setting.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on various initiatives, including: – Joint operation of the Seoul Robot and AI Museum’s Companion Robot Invention Program and Smilegate Future Lab’s Futurebee Challenge – Co-development of science and creative cultural content – Sharing of online and offline educational platforms – Exchange of professional personnel and networks – Mutual support for exhibition and event spaces
The Companion Robot Invention Program, run by the Seoul Robot and AI Museum (a branch of the Seoul Science Center), has been operating since 2025 in five districts: Dobong, Geumcheon, Seodaemun, Seocho, and Yeongdeungpo. The program has engaged 47 teams comprising 154 young participants, conducted 113 educational sessions and lectures, and produced 34 prototypes incorporating robotic technology, which were showcased at the Maker Faire Seoul 2025.
Smilegate Future Lab’s Futurebee Challenge is a project-based learning program that empowers youth to tackle social issues using digital technology. Since its inception in 2021, it has become a leading model for creative education, attracting over 40,000 participants from schools and educational institutions nationwide.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government anticipates that this collaboration will facilitate the development of robotics and AI-based creative content, to be offered through various platforms. This initiative is expected to broaden young people’s experiences, enabling them to use technology not just for learning, but as powerful tools for problem-solving and innovation.