SKT, in collaboration with Newbility and SK Shielders, is launching a patrol robot service that functions as a 24-hour CCTV by applying AI technology to robots.

SKT announced on the 7th that it will be integrating AI technology into Newbility's robot 'Newbie' and installing SK Shielders' security solutions to jointly develop and commercialize an 'autonomous AI patrol robot'. The three companies signed a business agreement at SK Shielders’ Samseong-dong office building on the 7th.

The 'Autonomous AI Patrol Robot' service is a security and security service in which an autonomous robot continuously moves and monitors a designated area and dispatches security personnel from the control center when an unusual situation is detected.
AI patrol robots are attracting attention in the security market as a means to strengthen public security and assist in facility management as they can autonomously drive through a set space and provide 24-hour video monitoring and warning broadcasts.

SKT will apply AI image recognition and transmission technology to Newbility's autonomous driving robot technology and remote control solution, and utilize SK Shielders' security solution and sales infrastructure to check the efficiency of AI patrol robot service.

'Newbee' is an autonomous robot that combines GPS, cameras, and sensors. Instead of LiDAR sensors, it uses a low-cost camera-based autonomous driving solution to recognize and avoid obstacles.

SKT applied a control system equipped with real-time high-definition video streaming technology and vision AI video analysis technology to 'Newbie'. It was newly equipped with a low-light 360-degree rotating camera for night patrol.

The three companies are reviewing the market potential of patrol robots targeting schools, factories, and public institutions that have demand for 24-hour monitoring and many blind spots in CCTV coverage.

Since February 22, AI patrol robots have been undergoing field demonstration testing at the Ssangmun Geunhwa Campus of Deoksung Women's University. The AI patrol robot autonomously monitors the 900m course from the main gate of the campus to the lecture hall, Chamirisa Memorial Hall, and the College of Arts before returning to the main gate for about 15 minutes.

The test will be completed by the 10th of this month, and the specifications and functions required for commercialization of the AI patrol robot service will be confirmed by the end of March after supplementation. After that, the main contract containing the roles of each company for joint development, development cost sharing plan, business model, etc. will be signed within the second quarter, and the commercial service will be launched within the year.

Newbility CEO Lee Sang-min said, “It is very meaningful and I am very pleased to be collaborating with SKT, which is making a leap forward as an AI company, and SK Shielders, which is leading the convergence security service,” adding, “We will do our best to commercialize highly-sophisticated AI patrol robots, and continue to expand the scope of new service applications utilizing autonomous driving robots.”

SK Shielders Growth Promotion Director Kim Yun-ho said, “Autonomous AI patrol robots are expected to increase the efficiency of security work by eliminating blind spots in security and identifying various risk factors in real time,” adding, “Starting with this patrol robot, we will continue to introduce various robots that can help with facility safety and fire prevention, and take the lead in protecting everyday safety.”

Choi Nak-hoon, head of SKT Industrial AIX CO, said, “The core of SKT’s robot business is to solve areas that robot manufacturers find difficult to respond to directly despite customer demands through AI technology and solutions,” and “Starting with this agreement, we will work with SK Shielders and Newbility to make various everyday spaces, such as apartment complexes and industrial sites, safe with autonomous robots beyond university campuses.”