SKT and Yongin Severance Hospital First to Commercialize '5G Hybrid Disinfection Robot'

Non-Face-to-Face Care Service Robot ‘Keemi’ Based
24-Hour Infection Control System Operation in Hospitals

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] SK Telecom has partnered with Yongin Severance Hospital to commercialize the world's first 5G integrated quarantine robot solution utilizing 5G networks and Real-Time Location System (RTLS).

On the 19th, according to SK Telecom, the company built a quarantine robot solution at Yongin Severance Hospital based on its non-face-to-face care service robot brand ‘Keemi’, and from this day forward, it will be used to operate a 24-hour infection control system within the hospital.

The integrated quarantine robot ‘Keemi’, which combines the roles of a guide robot and a quarantine robot, uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify visitors' faces and perform temperature checks and mask-wearing inspections. It also analyzes visitor density and provides voice guidance for social distancing if a certain number of people gather.

Additionally, equipped with ultraviolet (UV) sterilization functionality, it autonomously disinfects and sanitizes the hospital’s usage areas. The sterilization is conducted through a UVC sterilization module, and tests by the Korea Conformity Laboratories confirmed that it removes 99.9% of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pneumonia bacteria, and MRSA.

This quarantine robot solution was developed as a result of continuous cooperation following the 2019 MOU between SK Telecom and Yongin Severance Hospital to establish Korea’s first 5GX digital innovation hospital. Both parties expect that operating the integrated quarantine robot will reduce social risks and costs. The 24-hour constant quarantine system aims to allow citizens to receive medical treatment without infection anxiety.

Choi Dong-hoon, Director of Yongin Severance Hospital, said, “We are pleased to establish an advanced smart infection control system through cooperation with SK Telecom amid the COVID-19 situation.”

Choi Nak-hoon, Head of SK Telecom’s Smart Factory Company, stated, “We consider it meaningful to have presented a leading model of smart infection control within medical institutions through the establishment of the 5G integrated quarantine robot,” and added, “We will continue ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management by utilizing ICT technology to help solve social problems.”