In partnership with Omron Electronics Korea, SK Telecom introduced its autonomous quarantine robot powered with 5G and AI that enables for an efficient and systematic response against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The robot could patrol areas using cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet-of-Things (IoT), autonomous driving, and multiple sensors to carry out various tasks. The sentry could take contactless temperature readings, supervise social distancing, give out advisories, and handle disinfection.
In a statement, SK Telecom said that it started to use the robot in the lobby of its Seoul headquarters for preventive measures against COVID-19. The South Korean mobile carrier jointly developed the robot with Omron Electronics, an electronics maker specializing in factory automation.
The quarantine robot uses AI-based recognition technology to detect employees and visitors; and using a thermal imaging camera, it checks their body temperatures. The gathered data sets off an alarm and alerts personnel in the instance that it detects 37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher. This allows SK Telecom to take precautions and identify people with suspicious symptoms quickly.
The 5G robot could also identify areas where people gather and would then approach then and play a message reminding about the importance of social distancing practice.
Additionally, the device automatically disinfects the building using two disinfectant sprays, and ultraviolet (UV) lamps. The robot could sterilize 33 square meters of surface areas in just 10 minutes. It also provides hand sanitizers.
Post-Coronavirus Contactless Era
South Korea‘s establishment of 5G mobile communication networks made it one of the most extensive testing grounds in the world for connected service technologies such as smart cars, delivery robots, and cargo carries.
SK telecom and Omron plans to introduce the 5G-powered quarantine robot at their facilities first and then officially launch the device in the second half of this year in Korea. They also plan to tap into the global market next year.
Kim Young-ho, President of Omron Electronics Korea, said that the partnership between the two companies serve as an excellent example of how businesses could contribute to giving social issues solutions.
Meanwhile, Choi Nak-hoon, SK Telecom’s Industrial Data Business Unit Vice president, said that the company would continue introducing advanced ICT technologies into various services appropriate for the post-coronavirus contactless era.
