An elevator is still a bit of a problem for a service robot. A first approach is to use social features such as facial expressions and sounds. The user trusts the machine or feels sorry for it and helps it into the lift. A second option is for the robot to press the right buttons with its gripper. However, this can be very difficult and can also cause problems, for example when people are present. A third option is for the robot and the elevator to communicate via appropriate interfaces. This is certainly the most elegant solution, but it requires some technical standardisation and upgrading. As reported by the Korea Economic Daily, KT, LG Elec, and Hyundai Elevator have joined forces in the “robot-elevator project”. The vision is described in the teaser as follows: “A robot freely gets on and off an elevator and moves around a building, doing everything from coffee to parcel delivery and route guidance.” (KED, 28 July 2023) About the plans of the three companies, the magazine says: “The three will jointly plan and search for elevator-robot linkage services, con-duct cooperation to secure competitiveness in robotics services and look for new business lines. KT and LG Electronics said a far more competitive system of robotics services is possible by linking an elevator to a robot since robots must freely move between floors to increase their utility.” (KED, 28 July 2023) More information is available at www.kedglobal.com/robotics/newsView/ked202307280005.
BY OLIVER BENDEL
