The government is pushing to enact a special law to support the commercialization of mobile robots used in daily life, such as for delivery and parking.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced today that it will hold an information session tomorrow (the 13th) for the "Special Act on the Safe Use and Commercialization Promotion of Mobile Robots" at the Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

The briefing session is arranged to explain the purpose and key contents of the special mobile robot bill to the industry and to gather opinions from companies that develop and operate mobile robots and related software.

Mobile robots refer to robots that perform tasks such as delivery, parking, electric vehicle charging, transport, security, and maintenance while driving autonomously or remotely across indoor and outdoor spaces.

The ministry explained that there is a need to overhaul space- and facility-related systems to ensure the smooth operation of mobile robots.

The special bill is expected to include institutional grounds and special exceptions to improve existing space and facility regulations that are unsuited for robot utilization, and to support the use of robots in buildings, apartment complexes, parking lots, and construction sites.

It is also anticipated to establish operation and safety management standards for mobile robots by sector, while clarifying responsibility, response systems, and accident investigation systems in the event of an accident.

The ministry plans to convey industry feedback gathered from the session to the National Assembly's bill proposal and review process, and enhance the effectiveness of the legislation by consulting with relevant government agencies.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-duk said, "Beyond the stage of developing robots, it is time to make institutional preparations to transform our everyday spaces into environments where robots and humans can coexist."

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Yonhap News)