Aircraft exterior inspection using AI autonomous robots and direct power trading using shared energy storage systems (ESS) have been approved as targets for the regulatory sandbox. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has opened the groundwork for demonstration by granting special regulatory exemptions to five new technology and service sectors that were previously blocked by existing laws.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 29th that it held the '3rd Industrial Convergence Regulatory Exemption Deliberation Committee' (in writing) and deliberated on a total of nine agenda items.

Of these, 5 were approved as regulatory sandbox projects, and 4 were processed as reporting matters such as the status of system operation. This resolution focused on tasks in the fields of AI, energy, and daily life.

The most notable challenge is allowing AI autonomous robots to enter airport aprons.

Under current regulations, autonomous robots were prohibited from entering the apron, but this special exemption has made it possible to photograph the underside of aircraft and identify damage based on AI.

Korean Air is conducting a demonstration using the robot at Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport.

It is reported that the time required for aircraft inspection, which previously took 8 to 12 hours, will be shortened to within 1 hour.

It is also expected that the safety burden on mechanics working at heights of up to 20m will be reduced.

During the demonstration process, the robot detects external defects in the first stage, and after a mechanic finally verifies and judges the AI diagnosis results, the maintenance is performed.

In the energy sector, Raon Friends and others are launching a demonstration of a service that directly supplies shared ESS power to consumers and lowers electricity bills by deducting it from usage.

Previously, ESS operators were not allowed to trade directly with consumers without going through the power exchange, nor were power brokerage platforms allowed to mediate between the two parties.

The Ministry of Industry stated that this special provision is expected to relieve the overload on distribution lines during peak hours and reduce electricity rates for participating consumers.

In the fishing village sector, the Korea Fisheries & Marine Resources Corporation has authorized the operation of clam harvesting using mechanical equipment and haenyeo (female diver) and mudflat experience tourism services in fishing villages in Gochang, Jeonbuk and Jeju City.

Under the current Fisheries Act, the external leasing of fishing rights and the use of mechanical equipment in fishing grounds were prohibited, but they are temporarily permitted through special regulatory exceptions.

The Ministry of Industry predicted that it would contribute to increasing the income of fishing communities.

Kim Seong-yeol, Head of the Industrial Growth Office, said, “Aircraft "Special provisions closely related to people's daily lives have been approved, ranging from autonomous robots responsible for safety to the public leasing of village fishing rights to enhance productivity in fishing villages," he said. "We will continue to rationalize regulations to contribute to industrial development and ensure that the public can experience tangible benefits in their daily lives."