Approval of 'Smart Service Regulatory Sandbox' for Autonomous Patrol and AI Traffic Control

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 3rd that it has approved four new smart service regulatory sandbox projects to address urban issues in cities such as Seoul, Sejong, Pohang, and Jeju.

Through the Smart City Regulatory Sandbox system, the Ministry supports the testing and verification of new products and services utilizing new technologies without being subject to existing regulations.

First, Gwanak-gu in Seoul will pilot the "Autonomous Patrol Safety Service" to enhance residents' safety. Patrol robots equipped with autonomous driving functions will circulate the area, collecting video and audio information and transmitting it to a control center for rapid response in emergencies. This will enable 24-hour patrols in crime-vulnerable areas.

In Jeju City, a traffic flow control service using artificial intelligence technology will be piloted. AI cameras installed at intersections will count the number of vehicles in each lane and automatically generate optimal traffic signal cycles, improving the existing fixed traffic light system.

In Sejong City, a traffic signal control system applying optical communication technology will be piloted. Without installing a separate communication network for traffic signal control, the system will utilize the existing optical communication network to reduce construction costs and increase communication speed.

In Pohang, a demand-responsive mobility service allowing taxi pooling will be piloted, setting routes in real-time according to travel demand. If reflected in public transportation policies, it is expected to reduce citizens' waiting times and increase convenience.

The Ministry will also improve the operation method to apply the smart city regulatory sandbox more swiftly. Currently, regulatory confirmation and exemption applications are only possible through the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement, but from this year, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also be able to utilize the smart city regulatory sandbox.

With the addition of the business-friendly Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an application agency, it is expected that companies will be able to conveniently utilize regulatory exemptions.

Additionally, to support companies struggling due to a lack of expertise in law and patents, lawyers and patent attorneys with expertise in various technical fields such as transportation, logistics, energy, and healthcare will be available as support personnel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.