Daedong to Develop Robot for Golf Course Divot Repair

Signed MOU with HL D&I Hanla and HL Mando
To Be Showcased at CES 2026... Targeting Commercialization in the Second Half of 2027

Daedong Robotics, an artificial intelligence (AI) robotics company under the Daedong Group, announced on August 7 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technological cooperation with HL D&I Hanla and HL Mando to jointly develop an AI-based robot that repairs divots on golf courses.

According to the agreement, Daedong Robotics will be responsible for the exterior design and hardware development of a robot specialized in divot repair, based on its agricultural transport robot platform. HL Mando will develop the software and algorithms that enable the robot to autonomously identify and repair divots on golf courses, utilizing its autonomous driving and AI recognition technologies. HL D&I Hanla will design and operate a web-based AI platform that identifies divot locations through drone mapping and connects this information so that the robot can recognize and repair them in real time. The robot is scheduled to be exhibited at CES 2026, with the goal of commercializing it in the second half of 2027. By the second half of next year, the companies plan to complete the development of related technologies and prototypes and begin demonstration projects at major golf courses in Korea.

Daedong Robotics CEO Jungu Yeo (from left), HL D&I Hanla Senior President Seokhwa Hong, and HL Mando Vice President Hongyong Bae are posing for a commemorative photo. Daedong

A divot is an inevitable area of turf damage that occurs when a club is swung on a golf course. Regular manual repair is required, but this places a significant burden in terms of labor and cost. To address the divot issue through automation technology and improve maintenance efficiency, each company plans to combine its competitive strengths, technological expertise, and on-site experience to develop a differentiated AI robot.

Daedong Robotics believes that this MOU will serve as a catalyst for expanding its product portfolio beyond agriculture and into non-agricultural sectors. Having continuously advanced its autonomous transport robots and developed solutions for agricultural sites, Daedong Robotics is now looking to establish a foundation for entering broader outdoor service robot markets, including leisure, sports, and public infrastructure.

In particular, Daedong Mobility, the parent company of Daedong Robotics, has accumulated infrastructure and know-how by supplying essential golf carts for golf course operations. HL D&I Hanla is also enhancing its understanding of the field by pursuing golf course maintenance as a new business. Since both companies already possess sales networks targeting golf courses, the commercialization of the divot repair robot is expected to facilitate smooth market entry.

Yeo Jungoo, CEO of Daedong Robotics, stated, "This collaboration is an important turning point for Daedong Robotics, as we expand our autonomous driving, AI, and robotics technologies beyond agriculture to encompass a wide range of outdoor operations. Starting with the development of the AI divot repair robot, we will continue to develop intelligent robots specialized for various outdoor tasks and broaden our market presence."