Global Last-Mile Market Expected to Reach 172 Trillion Won by 2030
Autonomous Delivery Robot Traffic Bill Passes National Assembly Subcommittee
Government Promotes 'Advanced Robot Industry Strategy 1.0'
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] The government is accelerating the commercialization of robot delivery. The National Assembly has begun revising laws to ease regulations that restrict the outdoor operation of autonomous robots, such as the Road Traffic Act and the Personal Information Protection Act. The robotics industry expects domestic companies to play an active role in the rapidly growing global "last mile" market if robot delivery becomes possible as planned by the government.
According to the National Assembly and the robotics industry, the Legislative Review Subcommittee 2 of the National Assembly's Administrative and Security Committee (Chairman Manhee Lee of the People Power Party) held a meeting on the 22nd and passed an amendment to the Road Traffic Act. The significance lies in establishing grounds for autonomous robots to travel on sidewalks. Although consideration was given to allowing road travel as well, it is known that only sidewalk travel was permitted, taking into account the speed and safety of autonomous robots. Chairman Lee said, "We plan to hold a plenary session on the 24th to pass the bill."
Grounds Established for Autonomous Robots to Travel on Sidewalks
Once subordinate laws such as enforcement ordinances or enforcement rules are created, it is expected that autonomous robots traveling on sidewalks will be seen. However, the passage of the Road Traffic Act amendment is only the beginning, and many challenges remain before the commercialization of robot delivery. Detailed discussions such as insurance coverage in case of accidents involving autonomous robots during operation are necessary.
The robotics industry expects that commercialization will gain momentum if the "Intelligent Robot Act Amendment" led by People Power Party lawmaker Geumhee Yang and the "Intelligent Robot Amendment" led by Democratic Party lawmaker Ilyoung Jeong pass the National Assembly. Lawmaker Yang explained, there is a need to abolish regulations that hinder the promotion of intelligent robot distribution and to establish legal grounds for revising laws related to the operation of outdoor mobile robots. The amendment includes newly defining outdoor mobile robots, clearly specifying robots allowed to travel on sidewalks, and establishing grounds for conducting operation safety certification. It also mandates insurance subscription to cover damages caused by robots and compensation for personal and property damages. Lawmaker Jeong proposed an amendment designating February 26, 2008, when the current Intelligent Robot Act passed the National Assembly, as "Robot Day" to deepen public understanding of robots and to encourage the enthusiasm of intelligent robot developers and manufacturers for promoting the robotics industry.
Along with the National Assembly's moves to ease regulations, the government has recognized robots as a driving force to enhance productivity across industries and reduce industrial accidents and has begun fostering them. First, it will prepare and announce the "Robot Regulatory Innovation Roadmap 2.0" next month. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is currently focusing on listening to industry voices. On the 22nd, First Vice Minister Youngjin Jang held a kickoff meeting for the "Advanced Robot Strategy Council" at the Bundang Doosan Tower. Representatives from the Ministry, Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement, Doosan Robotics, LG Electronics, KT, Neuromeka, Robotis, Komotech, and other major robotics companies participated. Attendees discussed strategies to prepare the "Advanced Robot Industry Strategy 1.0." Vice Minister Jang said, "We plan to include the establishment of a robot-friendly environment and will announce a roadmap reflecting the demands of the robotics industry next month."
Autonomous Robot Companies Awaiting Market Blossoming
The market outlook for autonomous robots, which can be used in various fields such as food delivery, cargo transport, and advertising, is bright. The last mile refers to the final stage of product or service delivery. As e-commerce demand surges, the related market size is expanding. Market research firm Straits Research forecasts that the global last mile market will grow from $43.3 billion (approximately 56 trillion KRW) last year to $132.2 billion (approximately 172 trillion KRW) by 2030.
Domestic robotics companies have been preparing for the commercialization of autonomous logistics robots targeting the last mile market for several years. They have been steadily testing autonomous robots integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) technology through deep learning. Robotis passed the autonomous robot regulatory sandbox in December 2019 and is conducting pilot operations in the Magok area of Gangseo-gu, Seoul. It has selected autonomous robots as its next growth engine and expanded its research personnel last year. Research and development expenses accounted for 32% of sales in the third quarter of last year. It is also pursuing overseas market entry, including the United States. In 2021, it conducted delivery tests of outdoor autonomous robots in the eastern United States and formed a partnership with one of the largest logistics companies in the U.S.
Eugene Robot developed LiDAR, a core component for autonomous driving, and exports logistics robots. It released the autonomous robot "GoCart," which applies 3D scanning LiDAR and can travel in all directions. It was the first in Korea to acquire ISO 13482, the international standard required for exports to Europe.
Among unlisted companies, Newbility is an autonomous delivery robot startup established to improve last mile efficiency and solve supply-demand imbalances in the delivery market. It is expanding its service range based on autonomous driving technology and its own platform. XYZ is a service robot startup applying AI-based robotics technology to daily life. It operates retail channels to strengthen consumer contact points and conducts demonstration tests of robot solutions.
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