Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho emphasized on October 20 that the introduction of patrol robots represents a significant step in connecting artificial intelligence (AI) technology to safety services that citizens can experience directly.
On that day, Mayor Choi announced that Anyang has been selected for the '2026 Physical AI Robot Demonstration Project' organized by the Korea Robot Industry Promotion Agency, which will see six autonomous patrol robots deployed at Anyang Central Market starting next month.
This initiative aims to establish a new model for safety management in traditional markets by utilizing AI and autonomous driving technology.
Notably, this project combines the smart city and AI-based administration efforts that Mayor Choi has been actively promoting, focusing on citizen-centered safety services.
The core of this initiative is not merely to replace human patrols with robots. Instead, it seeks to create an integrated safety system that utilizes AI and autonomous driving technology to detect security threats, fire hazards, and safety accidents early, while ensuring rapid responses from relevant agencies such as police and fire departments when necessary.
The patrol robots will autonomously navigate various areas of the market, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours when shops are closed, conducting security patrols. They will use cameras and various sensors to detect signs of fire, such as smoke, flames, and unusual temperature increases.
Additionally, the robots will identify obstructions in fire lanes, a significant fire risk factor in traditional markets, and collaborate with merchant associations to facilitate their removal.
This is expected to aid in securing access for fire trucks and improving initial response efforts in the event of a fire.
In cases of missing persons, the robots will also utilize AI-based mobile search capabilities to assist in locating individuals.
The goal is to complement human patrol activities, reduce blind spots in safety management, and detect various risks early.
Any unusual situations captured by the robots will be monitored in real-time through the Anyang Smart City Integrated Center, which will relay information to police and fire departments for on-site responses during emergencies.
Citizens have expressed optimism about the potential evolution of safety management in traditional markets through this initiative.
In particular, residents who use the market late at night or live nearby have reacted positively, stating, “If robots patrol areas that are difficult for people to check, I think I can feel safe even at night.”
Another citizen remarked, “It’s meaningful that AI is being utilized in practical areas like fire prevention and missing person searches, rather than just remaining a futuristic technology.”
Mayor Choi initiated this project after being selected for a public competition in July and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Robot Industry Promotion Agency in September to commence the project.
The robots are expected to be completed this month, with field demonstrations scheduled to take place by December. The project will continue operations and enhance functionalities from January 2027 to December 2029.
The total project cost is projected to be 625 million won, including 312.5 million won from the national budget, 200 million won from the city budget, and 112.5 million won from private sector contributions.
Mayor Choi stated, “Through field demonstrations, we will confirm the feasibility of the technology and foster related industries in connection with future growth bases such as the AI Convergence Innovation Cluster at Seoul National University and the Parkdal Smart City.”
He added, “We will create Anyang as a leading city in physical AI, allowing citizens to experience the benefits of AI technology in their daily lives.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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