Following the deployment of AI patrol robots at Changdeokgung, similar technology is now being tested at Deoksugung and Seororeung. A four-wheeled robot will patrol the relatively flat grounds of Deoksugung, while a bipedal robot will navigate the uneven terrain of Seororeung.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on August 21 that it is enhancing safety management at palaces and royal tombs through the practical testing of AI patrol robots.
This initiative is part of the 'AI Patrol Robot Demonstration Project' led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The Cultural Heritage Administration operated a single AI patrol robot at Changdeokgung for two months starting in February this year, funded by its own budget.
For this phase, the types of robots deployed will be tailored to the distinct terrains of the palaces and royal tombs. A four-wheel drive robot will be stationed at the flat Deoksugung, while a bipedal robot will be assigned to the more challenging Seororeung. The goal is to compare and validate which type of robot is better suited for the environments of the palaces and tombs.
The AI patrol robots will autonomously navigate designated areas, conducting patrols and using cameras and various sensors to monitor the condition of facilities and the surrounding environment, thereby assisting traditional human patrols.
The robots will utilize LiDAR and vision AI for autonomous navigation, and will be equipped with standard and thermal cameras, along with AI video analysis technology, to detect emergencies such as fires, intruders, or visitors collapsing in real time. They will also be linked to a control room to provide guidance and issue warnings, enhancing on-site surveillance and response capabilities.
The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to assess not only the robots' operational performance but also their effectiveness in managing safety during actual emergencies involving fires, intrusions, and accidents affecting visitors. Depending on the results of this year's demonstration, the project may be extended into next year.
A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Based on the results of this demonstration, we will continue to advance the safety management system for national heritage using advanced technologies such as AI and robotics."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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