The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is rolling out a smart robot service at Seoul Botanic Park to provide visitors with high-tech amenities using information and communications technology (ICT) such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT).
Branded as “Robotanic”, this autonomous bot service will provide assistance such as facility guidance and botanical information as well as visitor security to create a safe park environment and offer unique experiences.
The city will operate a total of three “Robotanic units” around popular areas frequented by visitors for exploring and resting at Seoul Botanic Park—one indoors in the greenhouse and two outdoors in the garden.
In the greenhouse, visitors can interact with a Robotanic to gain various information on the park and plants through both live (online) and recorded (offline) video commentary while walking along the guided paths.
This program is available twice a day every Friday for group tours (10 people at a time) starting in March. Those who are interested must book in advance online via the official Seoul Botanic Park website (botanicpark.seoul.go.kr); redirected to the Seoul Public Service Reservation website (yeyak.seoul.go.kr). While the program is free, visitors must pay the greenhouse admission fee.
In the outdoor garden, Robotanic will patrol the premises as a security bot for visitors’ safety, monitoring the park’s environment via live footage to prevent accidents and crime. The footage will be relayed to the control center to alert the security personnel when it detects certain situations, such as fire hazards including smokers. Moreover, Robotanic will roam the park to make announcements, such as last calls before the park closes, and even operate around the clock at night.
Seoul plans to increase its utilization of Robotanic bots and incorporate in various park operations to provide enhanced smart services.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
