Service robots need to be integrated with building systems to operate on multiple floors. Hyundai Elevator Co. this week signed a memorandum of understanding with LG Electronics and KT Corp. to jointly provide services to link robots and elevators.
Last year, LG and KT (formerly Korea Telecom) had partnered to develop and launch customer-service robots. Also last year, Hyundai Elevator unveiled an open application programming interface (API) to synchronize elevators with robots, smartphones, home networks, smartphones, and other systems, said the Icheon, South Korea-based company.
“We would like to initiate diverse collaborations with system and device enterprises through the launch of our open API,” said Cho Jae-cheon, CEO of Hyundai Elevator, in a press release at the time. “We plan to build a new elevator service ecosystem and expand our platform businesses.”
The API can also connect to the building management systems (BMS) to expand into services and home networks that can control elevators in case of natural disasters, crimes, and other situations.
Founded in 1984, Hyundai Elevator is a part of Hyundai Group that offers products including passenger, freight, hospital, and automotive elevators, as well as escalators and parking systems. It also offers installation, maintenance, and real-time services. The company said it maintains about 182,995 elevators.
Hyundai Group is affiliated with automaker Hyundai Motor Corp. and industrial automation provider HD Hyundai Robotics. The company also owns Hyundai Mobis and Boston Dynamics.
Hyundai open API connects devices
Hyundai Elevator said it has provided its API services to a total of more than 60 hospitals, universities, hospitality companies, and a bank along with KT's communications and AI voice-recognition technology and LG Electronics' robots.
By being able to move among floors, robots could deliver food, medical supplies, and linens while minimizing contact, noted the companies. Hyundai Elevator, KT, and LG Electronics said their joint development and marketing will help advance connected systems.
The three companies said they expect the convergence of elevator, communications, and robotics technologies to lead to new industrial success. They also hope to be competitive in bidding for construction projects in Neom City in Saudi Arabia and the “K-brand” capital relocation project in Indonesia, reported the Korea IT Times.
“Connecting elevators with robots is considered indispensable for future urban development worldwide,” said Do Ik-han, vice president and head of the Service Business Division at Hyundai Elevator.
“During the [signing] ceremony, we also discussed the potential of setting an international standard for smart buildings that integrate elevators, robotics, and communications expertise,” Do told The Korea Herald.
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