Introduction of Advanced Robots in Disability Rehabilitation
Mobile Robot Rehabilitation Services
Expansion of Mobility Rights for the Disabled
Collaboration with Hyundai Motor and AI for Disabled Mobility Pilot
'MARS 2025' Presents a New Paradigm for Public AI Services
In the welfare center for the disabled operated by Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, there is a robot called 'Angel Suit H10' that exudes a strong sense of 'cutting-edge' technology just by its name. Equipped with seven high-performance sensors and on-device artificial intelligence (AI) technology, this robot analyzes the user's movements in real time and automatically provides optimal assistance according to the situation. It is a rehabilitation robot for people with disabilities.
The Robot Rehabilitation Center inside Hwaseong Dongtan Ardim Welfare Center in Hwaseong City, which opened last November. It is equipped with various robots to assist in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. Provided by Hwaseong City
Disability welfare services are evolving by integrating advanced technology. In particular, Hwaseong City is creating a new policy model by actively incorporating cutting-edge technology into rehabilitation programs and mobility services.
Introduction of Advanced Robots in Disability Rehabilitation... Mobile Robot Rehabilitation Services
Since 2019, Hwaseong City has been the first in the country to introduce robot rehabilitation services at two city-operated welfare centers for the disabled. Rehabilitation using robots is preferred in the field because it offers faster recovery and lower costs compared to traditional physical therapy.
At Dongtan Ardim Welfare Center in Hwaseong City, a person with a disability is undergoing rehabilitation with the help of a robot. Provided by Hwaseong City
Various advanced robots such as 'fixed walking robots,' 'wearable walking assist robots,' and 'upper limb rehabilitation robots' are used in rehabilitation. The 'Angel Suit H10' introduced by the city is an AI-based wearable walking assist robot. To expand robot rehabilitation services, the city expanded and reorganized the existing rehabilitation room last year to establish a 'Customized Robot Rehabilitation Center.'
For about 430 people with brain lesions and physical disabilities who find it difficult to visit the center in person, a 'Robot Home Rehabilitation' program is also underway. After providing training on how to use the robot rehabilitation devices to applicants, the devices are rented out, and rehabilitation progress is continuously managed through weekly regular consultations. People with disabilities can conveniently receive rehabilitation treatment for major joints such as wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles at home without visiting the welfare center.
To enhance the efficiency of robot rehabilitation, the city published a 'Robot Rehabilitation Clinical Guideline' in January, developed jointly with Hwaseong Disabled Welfare Center. The guideline contains comprehensive information from basic concepts of robot rehabilitation to operational cases and is provided as a reference for other local governments.
Expansion of Mobility Rights for the Disabled... Collaboration with Hyundai Motor and AI for Disabled Mobility Pilot
Starting this month, Hwaseong City has embarked on a new experiment to guarantee mobility rights for people with disabilities. In cooperation with Hwaseong Urban Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company, a pilot project for mobility services using specially modified vehicles for transportation-vulnerable groups is underway.
Vehicles deployed in Hwaseong City for the mobility service demonstration project for transportation-vulnerable individuals. Passengers can board in the second row instead of the rear, allowing easy assistance from caregivers. Provided by Hwaseong City
The vehicle used in the pilot is a universal design vehicle developed by Hyundai Motor. Unlike existing vehicles for severely disabled passengers that board from the rear, this vehicle allows boarding from the second-row side door. This improvement enables caregivers to accompany passengers in the adjacent seat, enhancing route efficiency and safety. A tablet installed in front of the disabled passenger's seat allows communication between the driver and passenger via messages, facilitating smooth communication for hearing-impaired individuals.
The pilot project will be conducted for five months until August 29 in the Dongtan New Town area. The pilot utilizes 'Shucle,' a demand-responsive transportation platform app operated by Hyundai Motor. The process verifies the entire journey from calling the vehicle, traveling to the destination, to completing payment. 'Shucle' is an app that supports various transportation modes such as demand-responsive transport (DRT) and voucher taxis. It facilitates easy real-time disability certification based on public data and also provides a telephone service function for digital vulnerable groups.
'MARS 2025' Presents a New Paradigm for Public AI Services
Hwaseong City plans to hold 'MARS 2025 (Mega city Ai Revolution Summit 2025)' from June 18 to 20 at COEX Hall C and the Conference Hall in Samseong-dong, Seoul. This event is organized to introduce the innovative AI policies promoted by the city and to present a new paradigm for public AI policies.
The event will feature 37 organizations and companies, including Hyundai Motor, Shinsegae, LG U+, Amazon, KAIST, and Kyung Hee University, operating over 100 booths. Through this event, the city will declare its vision as a leading AI city.
During the event, various programs will be held, including a demo day for startup investment attraction, investment briefing sessions, talk concerts involving university students, big data forums and competitions, conferences, forums, seminars, AI-based marketing education, AI commercial film screenings, and MD consultation meetings to help AI companies expand their market channels.
Jung Myung-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong City, said, "We have been promoting disability policies with the commitment to create a city where people with disabilities can live proudly on their own and where not a single person's inconvenience is overlooked. We will continue to expand welfare projects utilizing robots and AI technology to ultimately create an urban environment where everyone can participate equally."
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