[Report] "Astronaut AI Companion Robot, Portable Tattoo Printer"... A Glimpse into Future Design

'Design Korea 2024' Held from 13th to 17th
Participation from Large and Small-Medium Enterprises, Young Designers
Various Events Including International Conference and Job Fair

#. The space companion robot 'Laika' is a partner robot that supports the health management of astronauts. It assesses the user's physical condition through health data and is equipped with a camera and sensors, enabling emotional interaction. Laika, created for astronauts embarking on lunar exploration, was also selected as one of the '2023 AI Best Design 10' by Design Boom.

We are now in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into the design industry. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, it communicates interactively with users and provides hyper-personalized customized services. The 'Design Korea' event, where you can see these future design trends at a glance, will be held for five days starting from the 13th.

Over 400 Companies and Institutions Participate... This Year's Theme is AI

Design Korea is the largest domestic design industry expo hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion.

Held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, this event features over 400 companies and institutions, including major corporations like Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Company, as well as design-specialized companies and young designers, showcasing more than 600 pieces of content.

Especially since this year’s theme is 'How AI Moves Our Daily Lives,' design products incorporating AI technology attracted attention. Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Ring and the latest foldable smartphones equipped with AI functions greet visitors first. LG Electronics introduced the robot butler Q9. Q9 serves as a futuristic smart home hub, connecting and controlling home appliances and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It plays the role of a butler by reading books to children and managing schedules. The design was inspired by the expression of a child deeply focused while wearing a headset.

LG Household & Health Care exhibited the portable tattoo printer 'Imprintu.' It provides tattoo designs created by learning from 350 million image data, allowing users to create unique and original works.

Additionally, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled 'DICE,' a mobility service offering personalized services; Newbility showcased 'Newbie,' a delivery robot that recognizes obstacles; and Level9 revealed 'Monster Garden,' an interactive media combining plants and AI, captivating visitors.

In the design industry, AI is a 'double-edged sword.' While it automates parts of the work and increases productivity, it also raises concerns about potential job losses for designers. In response, Yoon Sang-heum, president of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, stated, "We will continue various policy supports to ensure the sustainable growth of the design industry in the AI era."

On the 14th, an international conference featuring domestic and international experts from Google, Adobe, LG Electronics, and KAIST will be held. It is expected to be an opportunity to explore future trends emerging from new AI technologies and discuss the direction and role of design business.

Side Events Including Government Project Introductions and Youth Employment Support

Responding to the climate crisis is also an important pillar of the design industry. At this event, eco-friendly design companies creating products using recycled resources stood out. These include 'Paperus,' which makes coasters and phone stands from discarded business cards and flyers; 'Twofortwo,' which upcycles waste leather to produce bags; and 'Geologic,' which creates objects from plywood and concrete discarded at construction sites.

At the 'Government Support Performance Hall,' design products brought to market through various government projects such as the design-led manufacturing innovation project were also showcased. In addition, a corporate briefing (IR) pitching session supporting buyer matching and investment attraction for excellent domestic design companies, as well as mentoring consultations and job fairs for young designers, were held.

Yoon Sang-heum, president of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, said, "This year’s Design Korea, held in integrated connection with the 'Seoul Design Festival,' has prepared even richer and more diverse attractions."