Jungnang-gu Operates AI Robot 'Riku' Experience Zone

Jungnang-gu Office, Bang Jeong-hwan Education Support Center, Media Center, and 11 Other Locations Operate Robot Riku Experience Zones
Digital Education, Storytelling, Safety Education, and Other Riku-Based Experience Programs Conducted

Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) is operating experience zones by deploying the AI robot ‘Riku’ at various centers and the district office, allowing all residents to experience it firsthand.

At a total of 11 locations including Jungnang-gu Office, Bang Jeong-hwan Education Support Center, Environmental Education Center, and Jungnang Media Center, residents can directly experience Riku’s storytelling, singing, and simple conversation functions.

‘Riku’ is a humanoid AI robot capable of looking at and communicating with users. It is equipped with educational software that offers features such as navigation, delivery app usage, and cognitive ability enhancement, as well as voice recognition and response functions. Without any special operation, it can look at users, perform various actions such as storytelling and singing, and even engage in simple conversations.

Since being selected in 2020 for the Korea Robot Industry Promotion Agency’s ‘Robot Utilization Socially Vulnerable Benefit Support Project,’ the district has actively used Riku for educational purposes in welfare centers, senior citizen centers, and daycare centers.

In particular, experience programs such as digital education, storytelling, and safety education have been conducted for various age groups from young children to the elderly, receiving enthusiastic responses.

Accordingly, the district plans to expand opportunities for residents to experience ‘Riku’ by operating experience spaces throughout the region.

Detailed information about Riku, experience locations, and provided content can be found on the Jungnang-gu website, and institutions and organizations can also apply to rent the robot.

Ryu Gyeong-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “I hope that the robot ‘Riku’ will provide residents with interest and enjoyment and serve as an opportunity to foster familiarity with robots,” adding, “We will continue to discover fields where ‘Riku’ can be utilized and prepare various educational programs.”

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