Korean researchers unveiled core technologies for “digital media innovation that understands media with AI” at the world’s largest broadcasting and media exhibition. By making media production processes such as automatic visual effects (VFX) production and 3D asset conversion intelligent, the technologies are expected to improve K-content production efficiency and support stronger global competitiveness.

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced that it participated in “NAB 2026,” an international broadcasting equipment exhibition held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States on April 17, and unveiled the latest media-intelligence technologies developed by its researchers.

The core technologies unveiled by ETRI this time are as follows: ▲USD-based media transformation ▲generative AI-powered automatic VFX generation, compositing, and editing ▲AI-powered UI/UX accessibility analysis and an interactive problem-explanation agent.

USD-based Media Transformation Technology analyzes existing 2D media, separates objects and backgrounds, and automatically converts them into USD1)USD (Universal Scene Description): A 3D scene technology specification that standardizes and stores/shares scene components (models, materials, lighting, cameras, etc.) and motion information for 3D scenes. A file/data standard for ensuring compatibility and interoperability of 3D data across various content creation tools.-based 3D assets2)3D Asset (Three-Dimensional Asset): A collective term for digital assets used in creating 3D content. A bundle of data such as 3D models, textures (materials), rigging, and animation., a generative media format optimized for machine interpretation. Through multimodal AI3)Multimodal AI (Multimodal Artificial Intelligence): Artificial intelligence that understands and processes different types of data, such as text, images, video, and audio, together. An AI technology that combines multiple inputs to interpret meaning and generate results., it can recognize media components and convert 2D coordinates into 3D, enabling them to be reproduced realistically in metaverse environments.

Generative AI-powered Automatic VFX Generation, Compositing, and Editing Technology is a technology in which, when a user inputs intent through multimodal prompts4)Multimodal Prompt: An instruction input that provides multiple forms of input together, such as not only text but also images and video. An input method that helps AI understand intent more accurately. such as text and images, AI analyzes spatiotemporal components and automatically generates and edits high-quality visual effects (VFX)5)Visual Effects (VFX): Video effects that create scenes difficult to realize through filming alone using computer graphics and compositing technology. Overall visual effects such as explosions, smoke, monsters, and virtual backgrounds.. It is provided in plugin6)Plugin (Software Plugin): An extension module installed to add additional functions to existing software. A component that allows specific functions to be used directly in editing tools and the like without developing a separate program. for compositing tool so as to improve the efficiency of VFX processes in film and drama production that have traditionally required significant time and cost.

AI-powered UI/UX accessibility analysis and interactive problem explanation agent technology is a technology in which AI automatically collects and analyzes mobile app accessibility7)Accessibility (Digital Accessibility): The level of usability and convenience designed so that diverse users, including people with disabilities and the elderly, can use digital services (apps/web) without difficulty. Elements that reduce barriers to use, such as screen reader support, captions and alternative text, and color contrast and font size adjustments. data to identify points that are inconvenient for people with disabilities or the elderly to use, and an interactive agent suggests improvement measures to developers.

Curtis LeGeyt, President of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), commented, “ETRI’s ‘Digital Media Innovation Technology that Understands Media with AI,’ presented at NAB 2026, is offering a solution to the digital transformation challenges facing the global broadcasting industry.”

Lee Tae Jin, ETRI Media Research Division Assistant Vice President, said, “Through this unveiling at NAB 2026, we will widely publicize the excellence of ETRI’s digital media innovation technologies and contribute to leading Korean media companies’ expansion into global markets.”

This technology was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT’s research projects on △ Development of USD-based Media Transformation Technology △ Development of AI-powered UI/UX accessibility analysis and interactive problem explanation agent technology, and the Broadcasting Media Telecommunications Committee’s project on △ Development of generative AI-powered VFX automatic generation and compositing/editing technology.

Lim Ji Youn, Principal Researcher
Media Intellectualization Research Section
(+82-42-860-4824, kusses@etri.re.kr)