Kakao and Prof. Cho Kyu-jin Host 'Robots in the AI Era' Seminar to Discuss Hardware Service Strategies

Technology leaders from Kakao group companies held a seminar titled 'Robots in the AI Era' with Prof. Cho Kyu-jin from Seoul National University, discussing the future and adoption strategies of hardware-based services. Prof. Cho diagnosed that robot technology is evolving beyond simple repetitive tasks to biomimicry and humanoids, with integration with AI accelerating through the adoption of OpenAI models.

Robot Service Adoption and Platform Strategy

Kakao Mobility is preparing an inter-floor vertical logistics service utilizing third-party robots (such as LG Electronics and Bare Robotics) that it does not manufacture directly. While manufacturer robots excel in driving capabilities, they lack task management and building infrastructure connectivity; Kakao Mobility is securing versatility through a platform to address these gaps. Prof. Cho cited ROI (Return on Investment) as the key to robot adoption, emphasizing the need for the long development cycles characteristic of hardware and a long-term vision.

Organizational Culture and Ecosystem Changes

Unlike software, hardware services have the characteristic of being gradually improved through partial demand and feedback even if initially incomplete. Prof. Cho advised that an organizational culture achieving a dynamic equilibrium between a 'water-like organization' (free ideas) and an 'ice-like organization' (concrete realization) is important. He also pointed out the shortage of robot UX designers, predicting that IT designers entering the robotics field would enhance service competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the world's largest robotics academic conference ICRA, for which Prof. Cho serves as organizing committee chair, is scheduled to be held in Seoul in 2027.