GKL partners with Robotis to bring AI-powered self-driving robots to casinos

Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) CEO Yoon Doo-hyun, left, poses with Robotis CEO Kim Byeong-su after signing a partnership at the former's office in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of GKL

Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), a quasi-public firm operating Seven Luck casinos for foreign nationals in Korea, has clinched a partnership with autonomous robot specialist Robotis to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-powered self-driving robots customized for casino operations, the companies said Wednesday.

Under the agreement signed Tuesday, the two companies plan to establish joint business models and service systems using autonomous robots and deploy the self-driving robots for transporting gaming chips and cards across three Seven Luck casino facilities.

They will also participate in a large-scale convergence robot demonstration project by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The latest achievement came as part of GKL’s efforts to digitize casino operations.

The two firms began a six-month pilot program in September 2024 at Seven Luck Casino at Seoul Dragon City hotel to collect autonomous driving data and jointly develop software tailored to casino environments.

“GKL is accelerating its transition to smart casinos in line with the government’s drive to realize the so-called 'digital platform government,'” GKL CEO Yoon Doo-hyun said. “By adopting AI-powered self-driving robots, we aim to provide a new and differentiated customer experience.”

The digital platform government initiative — pushed by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration — aims to resolve diverse social problems and add value using the latest digital technologies.

In August 2023, GKL developed a mobile service platform, the SevenLuck+, for foreign tourists’ easier access to the casino.

The service is the first of its kind developed by a Korean firm. Those who use the app do not have to bring traditional membership cards. It also provides push notifications for new events and promotions for the casino.

The service is powered by a blockchain-based decentralized identity technology, offering various services, such as e-wallet and entry authentication. Users will also be able to enjoy other smart services, such as cashless table transactions, digital coupons and restaurant and transportation reservations, according to GKL.