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The government seeks to have self-driving robots to aid police on nighttime patrols by 2024, as part of the expanded use of autonomous mobility vehicles for enhanced public services, the industry ministry said Thursday.
Underpinning the drive is the accelerated commercialization of smart mobility services, the next-generation growth driver widely anticipated to facilitate new business opportunities for the private sector, aided by eased regulations and simplified test runs.
A greater number of robots will be used to promote public safety, faster transport services, environmental protection, medical services and smart farming. These are industries in need of a stable and reliable source of workers, higher productivity and the prevention of workplace accidents ― areas expected to see major breakthroughs with advances in robot technology.
These are some of key measures announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to foster the robotics industry.
"The government has outlined measures to lead innovation in the robotics industry, a goal equally vital as buttressing the demand for strong local market players to capitalize on the global momentum for the new growth driver," said Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang.
Data from the ministry showed that the size of the global robotics market is expected to surpass $83.1 billion (108 trillion won) in 2023, up from the current $28.2 billion.
Over 76 percent, or 39 out of a total of 51 projects will be swiftly implemented by 2024.
Eased and revised robotics regulations will be announced in April, a package of policy assistance to help high-tech robots lead to innovation and the subsequent growth of overall industrial competitiveness.
The policies will more clearly define robots and robotics industries as well as when and where they can be used for what purpose. Also included will be ways to simplify the process of obtaining government permits and to undergo regular safety inspections.
The entry bar will be lowered for more industries and public services to use robots to reduce workplace accidents in construction and coastal pollution sites.
Robots will be used to help clean and recover oil spills, among measures to prevent and manage marine pollution.
Some robots that carry fire extinguishers will be used to put out fires inside buildings. Others that carry cameras can help detect and report suspicious activities on the streets at night.
Regulations will be revised to help restaurants that use robots for safer and cleaner services receive better grades in regular safety reviews.
The government will establish a fee system for robot-mediated rehabilitation activities at hospitals and clinics to accelerate the use of robots in medical services.
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