Autonomous Book Delivery and AI Guide Robots... Advanced Technology Trends Sweeping Local Governments

Yongin City Introduces Services Utilizing Advanced Mobility Technology
Icheon City Showcases AI-Equipped Guide Robot at Government Office

Local governments on the front lines are continuously introducing administrative services combined with advanced technologies such as mobility and artificial intelligence (AI). The intention is to enhance administrative efficiency and increase resident satisfaction through differentiated services.

In the case of Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, public services utilizing advanced mobility technologies have recently been implemented. Using technologies such as AI, drones, and autonomous driving, the city is conducting ▲ autonomous book delivery service ▲ wearable robot walking assistance experience program ▲ smart farming projects utilizing drones.

Yongin City is piloting an autonomous book delivery service at Dongbaek Library since last month.
[Photo by Yongin City]

Since April, the city has been conducting a pilot book delivery project at Dongbaek Library in Giheung District with AR247 Co., Ltd., a robot development company, using robots equipped with autonomous driving technology. When residents apply for the service through the website, the robot delivers books to the destination at the designated time. The city plans to accumulate related information and expand the project to other libraries within the jurisdiction in the future.

At the Suji District Lifelong Learning Center, a wearable robot experience program for the elderly is scheduled to be offered starting this month. The robot used for the experience is the 'Walking Assistance Wearable Robot WIM' developed by Wirotics Co., Ltd., a local company, which has functions to assist the physical activities of elderly people who have difficulty walking. The city is also considering applying the program to rehabilitation programs at frontline public health centers from next year after surveying service satisfaction.

In Cheoin District, the introduction of advanced drones for pest control and autonomous tractors is being promoted. This aims to address the shortage of labor in rural areas and improve agricultural efficiency. The city plans to operate educational programs for local farmers to train drone pest control experts and hold demonstrations of smart farming projects.

A Yongin City official said, "We will improve the quality of administrative services for citizens by utilizing advanced technologies such as AI and robots in public services."

In the case of Icheon City, from the 30th of last month to the 2nd of this month, an AI-equipped guide robot has been demonstrated inside the city hall. The guide robot autonomously navigates visitors directly to the elevator on the 2nd floor, the sanitation department, and the restroom entrance, as well as introduces various municipal information through a monitor.

Children visiting Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, are watching an AI guide robot being piloted inside the government building together with Kim Kyung-hee, the mayor of Icheon.
[Photo by Icheon-si]

The city is considering expanding the use of the guide robot not only inside the city hall but also to event venues, as it can be equipped with interpretation functions for foreign visitors and a 'docent' function that provides exhibition explanations and guidance to visitors.

Kim Kyung-hee, mayor of Icheon City, stated, "After the pilot introduction, we will review the possibility of permanent adoption by assessing citizen satisfaction and demand. We will strive to provide administrative services utilizing advanced technologies such as AI and robots in the future."