Robots will be used to inspect dangerous areas of highways, such as the undersides of bridges and tunnels, where human access is difficult. Research will also be conducted on next-generation charging infrastructure, including electric vehicle charging robots and wireless charging at highway rest areas.
On October 1, the Korea Expressway Corporation announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Group the previous day at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul to collaborate on the research and demonstration of Physical AI-based robot technology for highways.
Physical AI refers to technology that enables robots and other physical entities to perceive, assess, and perform tasks in their environment through artificial intelligence. The two parties plan to jointly research highway safety and maintenance technologies using Physical AI and conduct demonstrations in real-world settings. The Korea Expressway Corporation will provide demonstration sites, including bridges, tunnels, and rest areas, while Hyundai Motor Group will leverage its experience in developing service and charging robots.
Robots will be deployed in hazardous areas like the undersides of bridges and tunnels to collect on-site data, which workers will use to assess conditions. The goal is to expand the technology from data collection to having robots perform tasks directly in the field.
At rest areas, research will also explore the application of next-generation electric vehicle charging technologies, including charging robots and wireless charging. The Korea Expressway Corporation is separately working to expand charging infrastructure, having recruited operators for electric vehicle charging stations at highway rest areas in June.
Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its experience in applying robot technology to actual facilities. In May, Hyundai and Kia launched services for three types of robots—delivery, security, and watering—at their headquarters in Yangjae, Seoul, and are developing technology for an automatic charging robot (ACR) that supports vehicle charging.
The two parties will share technology and information related to future road sectors linked to Physical AI and promote joint research and development. Following the signing ceremony, they also discussed ways to apply the delivery, security, and watering robots operated by Hyundai Motor Group to highway sites.
Cho Sung-min, head of the Korea Expressway Corporation's Road Traffic Research Institute, stated, “Robot technology is a key area that can enhance both the efficiency of highway maintenance and the safety of workers. We will combine private sector robot technology with the foundation of highway operations to achieve tangible results.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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