SFA Targets 1.39 Trillion Won in 2030 via Robotics Push

Recap

Source: 디일렉, report of Sept. 30, 2026

According to the report, SFA, a mid-sized automation equipment manufacturer, is expanding its business focus from semiconductors and batteries to robotics. CEO Kim Sang-kyung, who took office at the end of last year, presented this new direction at the opening of the 'AI Robotic Technology Innovation Center' in Asan, South Chungnam, on September 30.

The company has set a goal to increase its standalone revenue by an average of 12% annually, growing from 790.2 billion won last year to approximately 1.39 trillion won by 2030. This target represents about 85% of the company's consolidated revenue of 1.631 trillion won in the previous year. Kim stated that SFA has handled robot technology since starting its automation business 40 years ago, but this capability has not been fully reflected in its corporate value.

SFA is developing AI technology, robot vision, robot hands, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) through its R&D center, which has been active for about eight years. The company plans to collaborate with external specialists for robot bodies and joint technologies, while SFA focuses on integrating vision, AI software, and robot hands into a unified production system. The ultimate goal is to achieve fully autonomous manufacturing with minimal human intervention by 2030.

Context

SFA is a well-established player in the Korean industrial automation sector, known for supplying equipment to major clients in semiconductors, displays, and batteries. The company recently secured large logistics automation contracts, including a 90 billion won project for Asung Daiso's Yangju hub center and a 150 billion won order for LS Cable's US submarine cable plant. This move into robotics aligns with a broader industry trend where traditional automation firms are integrating AI and mobile robotics to address labor shortages and increase production efficiency.

Robot's take

SFA's strategy highlights a shift from selling standalone hardware to providing integrated AI-driven solutions. By leveraging its existing customer base in high-tech manufacturing, the company may find it easier to deploy its new robotic systems in real-world environments. However, the success of this pivot depends on its ability to integrate third-party hardware with its proprietary software effectively. It is not yet clear how SFA will differentiate its robot hands and vision systems from those of dedicated robotics startups, but its deep understanding of industrial processes could be a significant advantage.