Submission of Amendment to the Act on Promotion of Intelligent Robot Development and Distribution
Specifying the Scope of Driving Robots Allowed for Press Passage
Includes Basis for Introducing Robot Safety Certification System
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] A bill has been proposed to allow sidewalk passage for outdoor autonomous delivery robots that have received safety certification.
Yang Geum-hee, a member of the People Power Party and the Industry, Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, recently introduced the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Development and Distribution Promotion of Intelligent Robots," which newly defines outdoor mobile robots.
Currently, outdoor autonomous robots are classified as automobiles under the Road Traffic Act, making it impossible for them to travel on sidewalks or crosswalks. Even if a company obtains a special demonstration exception, one field staff member must accompany each delivery robot deployed on site.
Such excessive regulations have been criticized for hindering the growth of the domestic autonomous robot industry.
The amendment specifies the range of robots allowed to travel on sidewalks among driving robots classified as "chama" and newly defines outdoor mobile robots to exclude them from the prohibition of sidewalk passage under the Road Traffic Act.
It also establishes the legal basis for introducing a certification system to verify the safety of robots, which is a key prerequisite for allowing sidewalk passage. Additionally, it prepares conditions for implementing a safety guarantee project that can cover damages in case of accidents caused by robots.
Representative Yang said, "The global market size for autonomous robots is expected to reach $22.2 billion by 2030, but domestic industry growth is hindered by regulations," adding, "We hope that by establishing a foundation for sidewalk passage of autonomous robots that meet safety standards, new business opportunities will open."
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