SK Telecom Co. announced that it had developed ‘Keemi,’ a 5G network-connected robot that performs various health and medical functions. The leading telecom operator partnered with Yongin Severance Hospital to establish a real-time locating system (RTLS) for the 5G-powered robots. With the Keemi release, SK Telecom also commercialized the world’s first 5G disinfection robots equipped that utilize next-generation solutions.
Keemi Robots’ Various Features
Besides employing advanced technologies, the Keemi robots also provide preventive measures against infectious diseases, a valuable feature amid the pandemic. Thanks to SK Telecom’s efforts, the hospital supports a 5G network that enables the robots to perform numerous health tasks. In particular, the 5G connection allows Keemi to roam around the premises with autonomous driving technology and deliver 24-hour infection control operations. The disinfection robots also use the RTLS to monitor patients’ locations, locate missing patients, and determine the hospital’s patient density.
Moreover, SK Telecom’s Keemi utilizes an artificial intelligence-based facial recognition technology to measure visitors’ body temperatures accurately, helping detect illnesses. In addition to checking temperatures, the disinfection robots check whether visitors are properly wearing masks, significantly reducing chances for contamination. The Keemi robots also contain a voice assistant system that reminds visitors to follow social distancing guidelines strictly. Mainly, the robots could detect and prevent indoor group gatherings, encouraging people to reduce close contact and take simple precautions.
Furthermore, the Keemi robots’ disinfection system uses ultraviolet light to sanitize high-contact surfaces, significantly reducing bacteria buildup around the hospital. Korea Conformity Laboratories also confirmed that the disinfection robots thoroughly remove dangerous bacteria, including E. coli, staphylococcus aureus, and MRSA.
SKT’s Move to Introduce Innovative Medical Care Tech
“We are pleased to establish an advanced smart disinfection system through cooperation with SK Telecom,” said Choi Dong-Hoon, Director of Yongin Severance Hospital. Choi also said that the hospital plans to introduce more technologies that would benefit patrons and their comfort and safety. As an innovative institution heading the local intelligent medical care, Yongin Severance Hospital strives to become a top patient-centered hospital. The two companies also emphasized that the Keemi robots promote ESG values and reinforce South Korea’s Digital New Deal.
In April 2019, SK Telecom collaborated with Yongin Severance Hospital to develop disinfection robots and other specialized solutions. Some of their joint projects include developing AR-based navigation services, 3D mapping, hologram technologies for isolation wards, and quantum solutions. In 2020, Yongin Severance Hospital teamed up with SK Telecom to install a 5G network infrastructure, becoming the first domestic hospital to have 5G connectivity. Last year, SK Telecom collaborated with Samsung Electronics and Kakao Corp. to set up an AI COVID-19 risk analysis platform.
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