Apartment Living's New Era Driven by AI Delivery Robots

Robots are no longer just a story from science fiction movies. They are becoming a reality that enhances our quality of life in our daily routines. 'Porter Robot', developed by robot specialized company Watt through an innovative collaboration with Samsung C&T, has successfully completed a 3-month pilot operation in an apartment complex in Seocho-gu, Seoul, thereby opening up a new horizon for smart living. The Porter Robot, which transported heavy luggage from the underground parking lot to the front door of residents' homes, was enthusiastically welcomed by the residents. What was previously a 'porter service' limited to luxury hotels or some premium apartments has, through autonomous driving technology, been reborn as a life-friendly solution that can be enjoyed at a reasonable cost even in ordinary apartments. During the pilot operation period, residents could easily transport heavy items that were difficult to move alone, such as shopping carts full of groceries or bulky furniture, thanks to the Porter Robot. It is said that it was particularly a godsend for parents who struggled with bags in both hands when going out with children. Although it initially started as one-way delivery, it expanded to a two-way service due to active requests from residents, further increasing its utility. The technological prowess of the Porter Robot is truly astonishing. It autonomously controls automatic doors and elevators, and thanks to 'swerve drive' technology, it moves smoothly and without obstruction even inside elevators or narrow corridors. Furthermore, it is designed to easily overcome fire door thresholds of over 3cm, boasting excellent versatility that allows it to be readily introduced not only in new apartments but also in older, existing complexes. Choi Jaewon, CEO of Watt, stated, "This achievement clearly demonstrates that robots are not merely for technological display, but rather entities that add direct convenience and value to real life," and he expressed his ambition, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the Porter Robot naturally integrates into the lives of more people, gifting them a smarter and more relaxed daily life." Building on the success of this pilot operation, Watt plans to establish advanced robot services linked to smart home systems and accelerate the widespread adoption of popular smart residential robot services that can be enjoyed by all apartment residents, not just a specific segment. Currently, the company is actively seeking collaborations with construction companies and management firms, primarily focusing on existing apartment complexes. Furthermore, by exporting solutions to Yamato Transport, Japan's largest logistics company, it has also begun to establish its presence in the global market. For a more convenient tomorrow created by robots, Watt stands at the forefront.