Robots are increasingly common in Asian countries, where people have become accustomed to seeing machines with a somewhat human touch in hospitals, restaurants and other venues. Now, South Korea also wants to "normalize" the free movement of robots among pedestrians.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea and the National Police Agency jointly announced that the "revised version" of the "Intelligent Robot Law" is now fully effective. The Asian country will soon start issuing licenses for "free-roaming" robots, although they will still require human operators to walk alongside them.
The rover robot also needs to adhere to some strict physical restrictions. It must weigh less than 500 kilograms and have a top speed of 15 kilometers per hour. These robots must also pass 16 tests, which are designed to test the ability of self-driving robots to comply with standards, such as staying in designated areas and traveling in crosswalks.
If the robot passes the test, its operator will be officially allowed to carry goods, walk on sidewalks, and go wherever robots are allowed in South Korea. In addition, robots also need to purchase insurance, so that people will feel more secure and will eventually be compensated in the event of an accident.
Seoul authorities have released an image showing what free-flying delivery drones might look like in the new robot world they envision. The Department of Trade, Industry and Energy is preparing a High-Tech Robotics Industry Vision and Strategy, which will be released by the end of this year, to promote the creation of an entirely new industry in the coming outdoor robotics revolution.
Even though the new Intelligent Robot Law has come into full effect, robot-making companies will have to wait a while before they can put their products on Seoul's sidewalks. South Korea's Robotics Industry Ministry still needs to appoint a new regulator to provide safety certification, while the Korea Robotics Industry Association is busy developing new insurance products with private insurance companies.
The South Korean government assures that everything will be ready in a few weeks. The government will start accepting applications from regulators within a month, and the insurance is expected to be available in December. These policies must include indemnity provisions in case the robot injures a human or causes any loss.