Original Article

SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - An autonomous robot developed by ROBOTIS is collecting recyclables and patrolling for safety at a park in Yangcheon, a district in southwestern Seoul, the Korean robot manufacturer said Tuesday.

The robot named GAEMI arrives at the designated location to collect recyclables when called via QR codes. Equipped with separate bins for plastic, paper and cans, it automatically returns to its charging station after collection and heads to a depot to unload recyclables when the bins are full.

At night, the self-driving robot patrols the park along designated routes to ensure the safety of park visitors. The robot monitors the surrounding environment in real time and immediately transmits alerts to the control center if emergencies such as fires or thefts occur, enabling quick response.

"We expect GAEMI to significantly contribute to addressing urban park maintenance issues and alleviating the burden on aging workers, while also helping to create a cleaner green space," ROBOTIS said in a press release. The company plans to collaborate with small businesses near the park to deliver products to visitors.

The demonstration project for GAEMI is part of Testbed Seoul, an initiative by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) that supports the commercialization of innovative products and services.

Starting in 2025, GAEMI will move into full-scale commercialization, with 24 robots, eight in each of three parks in Yangcheon District.