Fine, so South Korea may be second fiddle to Japan’s overall devotion to mecha-kind. That doesn’t mean South Korean conglomerates, universities, and technology startups don’t make great strides on their own. For the past several years now, a tech university has hosted a robotics festival to showcase the work of its students. What really sets it apart is the astounding variety all the kids put on display.
Seen above is (of course) a screen shot from the movie iRobot. The actual ‘bots that figured in the event last year were way less biomorphic but had notable abilities despite. As for the ultimate utility of the nearly sentient machine slaves ‘bots, keep in mind a gray population is a serious issue for developed countries and robots are apparently a viable solution to support the crunch on national healthcare. Other than assisting the elderly and disabled, other less-humanoid ‘bots appeared. For best results, try the media down south.
Innovative Robotics at Mokwon University
The robots all came from Mokwon University and play a role in recruiting prospective talent. Mokwon University’s annual four-day Robot Festival is held each November. This event is not just a showcase but a testament to the innovative spirit and technical prowess of the students. The festival features a wide range of robots, from those designed for healthcare applications to those intended for entertainment and industrial use.
For example, some robots are specifically designed to assist the elderly with daily tasks such as medication reminders, mobility assistance, and even companionship. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors and AI algorithms to interact naturally with humans, making them invaluable in a society with an aging population. Other robots showcased include automated drones for agricultural monitoring, robotic arms for manufacturing, and even robots designed for educational purposes to teach coding and robotics to younger students.
The Future of Robotics in South Korea
South Korea’s commitment to robotics is evident not only in educational institutions like Mokwon University but also in the broader tech industry. Companies like Samsung and LG are heavily investing in robotics research and development. For instance, Samsung has developed a range of service robots, including the Bot Care, which is designed to monitor health metrics and provide medical assistance. LG, on the other hand, has introduced the CLOi line of robots, which includes models for home use, such as vacuuming and lawn mowing, as well as robots for commercial settings like hotels and airports.
Moreover, South Korea’s government has recognized the importance of robotics in future economic growth and has implemented policies to support the industry. Initiatives include funding for research and development, tax incentives for robotics companies, and the establishment of robotics clusters to foster collaboration between academia and industry.
Check out the video:
Source Plastic Pals
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
