▲ Field testing of autonomous quarantine robots.


Self-quarantine is possible even in indoor multi-dense facilities.
Virus analysis algorithm, optimal route disinfection

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) is taking the lead in maintaining citizens' daily lives by implementing autonomous quarantine measures using AI-based smart quarantine robots.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM, President Park Sang-jin, hereinafter referred to as KIMM) announced that the research team led by Director Kim Chang-hyun of the Artificial Intelligence Machinery Research Lab has developed an AI-based smart quarantine robot equipped with a real-time virus analysis algorithm.

AI quarantine robots safely and autonomously carry out quarantine operations even in crowded indoor spaces. Unlike existing autonomous quarantine robots, which could only perform quarantine operations in unoccupied spaces, AI quarantine robots can safely perform quarantine operations even in spaces with people.

The newly developed robot is equipped with a "probabilistic virus mapping algorithm" that uses AI to recognize people in indoor spaces and analyze virus distribution based on this data. This algorithm uses CCTV data, including people's locations and duration of stay, to estimate areas with high virus concentrations and derive optimal virus sterilization routes.

AI disinfection robots spray air that has been sterilized by UV-C, disinfecting simultaneously with human activities. The quarantine robot autonomously follows the optimal route calculated based on the virus map, and not only disinfects empty spaces where no one is present, but also safely sterilizes the air in spaces where people are present.

Kim Chang-hyun, head of the Artificial Intelligence Machinery Research Lab, said, “We expect that this technology will be immediately useful in multi-use facilities such as unmanned cafes and restaurants, helping self-employed people who are struggling during the pandemic crisis.”