언덕 장애물 있어도 배달 '척척'‥'인증 로봇' 거리로 [Original Article]

The robot starts moving busily as soon as the ordered coffee is loaded onto it.

The robot, which carries up to 70 kg and moves at a speed of 5 to 10 km/h, stops and starts repeatedly according to signals as it heads to its destination.

[Park Se-ra/Cafe Manager]
"I think there's less anxiety about drinks spilling or accidents. When it snows, orders don't come in as many, but orders seem to be coming in steadily with robots."

What used to be seen only in certain areas of Seoul, such as Gangnam and Magok, can now be seen nationwide with the enforcement of the relevant law.

However, since only robots that have been certified as safe can go out on the streets, the government has begun reviewing them.

The speed of movement is checked thoroughly to ensure that it is constant and that it does not fall over when going over a slope.

Here, the robot is tested for safety in 16 categories including driving speed, obstacle detection ability, and response ability in case of communication failure. Only robots that pass all tests are allowed to walk on the sidewalk.

Once the performance is certified, the operator can sign up for insurance and release the robot onto the street. The first certified robot is expected to be released onto the street as early as early next year.

[Cho Woong-hwan/Director of Machinery, Robotics, and Aviation, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy]
“The biggest obstacle to robot business was ultimately safety management and mobility issues. However, with the enforcement of this law, it means that robots are now viewed as people…”

However, there is still the task of building a data system that allows robots to obtain image data using artificial intelligence and AI technology and recognize the surrounding environment.

[Kim Byeong-soo/CEO of Robotis]
“Technically, it is quite complete. In line with the development of artificial intelligence, robot functions are continuously being upgraded, but the most difficult part is the environment in which data can be collected.”

Videos taken while moving can only be used for business purposes, and if an individual expresses a refusal to be filmed due to infringement of portrait rights, etc., or if there is a controversy over invasion of privacy, it may become an issue under the Personal Information Protection Act. Just

like people, robots cannot run red lights or jaywalk, and in the event of a traffic accident, negligence can be determined and insurance claims can be filed or the person responsible can be punished.