AI Robotics in Medicine

Labour, government, and hospital employers in Korea have formed a joint working group to steer a “just” AI transition in healthcare, using a Dialogue 4. 0 process to co-design solutions before conflicts arise.

With KHMU insisting technology serve workers and patients—and Minister Kim endorsing dignity-centered growth—hospitals agreed AI should reduce workloads and improve safety, not staffing levels.

Watch the Kangwon National University study running through November 2026 and the planned Joint Labour-Management Guidelines to be published then.

Tracking: Medicine Robotics · AI Medicine · AI Healthcare

Geography: United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Israel, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Canada

1. KHMU launches joint AI transition working group for Korea’s healthcare

On 26 June in Seoul, the Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union (KHMU), a UNI Global Union affiliate, convened government officials, hospital employers, and labour leaders to launch the Joint Working Group for a Just AI Transition in the Healthcare Sector.

The forum adopts a “Dialogue 4. 0” approach to co-design solutions before conflicts emerge, amid concerns that AI in administration, diagnostics, and patient care could disrupt roles and job security.

KHMU President Choi Hee-sun underscored that the transition must be “just,” with technology serving workers and patients rather than replacing staff.

South Korea’s Minister of Employment and Labour, Kim Young-hoon, endorsed the initiative, saying sustainable growth requires placing “labour and human dignity” at the centre.

Hospital representatives voiced support, agreeing AI should ease workloads and improve patient safety—not reduce staffing.

The working group commissioned a Kangwon National University study through November 2026 and plans to publish Joint Labour-Management Guidelines for a Just AI Transition at that time.

Key facts:

- KHMU launched the joint working group on 26 June in Seoul.

- The initiative follows a proactive “Dialogue 4.0” labour-management approach.

- Minister of Employment and Labour Kim Young-hoon endorsed the effort.

- Employers agreed AI should not be used to reduce staff.

- A Kangwon National University study will run until November 2026.

Why it matters: This is a rare, formalized labour–management–government compact on healthcare AI governance in a major health system.

It signals that AI adoption in Korean hospitals will be negotiated around workload, safety, and role clarity rather than imposed as a cost-cutting measure.

With government backing and a multi-year university-led study, the process could set norms on liability, job security, and workflow changes as AI tools expand.

Watch for interim findings and whether the promised national Basic Plan for Job Security aligns with the group’s final guidelines.

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