To promote the development of what have become known as converging technologies, several months ago, South Korea established a government department to support the development of robotics, biological and artificial intelligence products that combine new technologies to create innovative solutions.
By establishing the Innovative Convergence Product Support Department, Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is signaling its support for technologies including 3D intraoral diagnostic devices, artificial intelligence-based rehabilitation robots, and ultrasound analytics devices, among others. The department will be charged with reviewing and approving such devices for sale. Manufacturers or importers of innovative convergence devices will need to familiarize themselves with new laws developed by South Korea to determine the conditions of notification, certification, and approval of these types of products.