Irobo Robotics is a startup that develops fire patrol robots for traditional markets and power facility diagnostic robots. By applying AI technology, it is capable of autonomous driving as well as fire recognition and initial fire suppression.
Irobo Robotics was founded in December 2020 by CEO Lee Seong-jin, who has a research background in advancing the steel-making process at POSCO. Having worked at POSCO for over 30 years, Lee initiated the development of fire patrol and power diagnostic robots as part of a corporate venture before spinning off into an independent company.
CEO Lee noted that while at POSCO, he observed that when fires occurred in factories, both the recovery expenses and the production delays resulted in significant damage.
CEO Lee said, "When a large factory experiences a fire, it can take several months to recover, resulting in damage amounting to several hundred million won," adding, "While at POSCO, I developed robot solutions capable of suppressing fires in production lines and electrical rooms, and I established Irobo Robotics to expand the business."
Irobo Robotics is currently developing and launching products such as fire patrol robots for traditional markets and power facility monitoring diagnostic robots. The main advantage of these two robots is that they can monitor 24 hours a day without blind spots and can respond initially.
Existing fire systems can only monitor and operate within a limited range due to their fixed nature, and they often malfunction because of low performance. However, Irobo Robotics' robots monitor all areas without blind spots through autonomous unmanned patrols during late-night hours. Especially, by applying AI technology, it can track temperatures, recognize fires, diagnose overheating in electrical equipment, and even carry out initial fire suppression.
CEO Lee explained, "Equipped with advanced AI capabilities, the robot can accurately detect fires and recognize fire and non-fire events," adding, "It performs basic suppression before firefighters arrive, using aerosol solid extinguishers attached to the robot, without worrying about product damage."
Irobo Robotics plans to initially deploy its robots in traditional markets to reduce fire damage. The fire patrol robot will undergo pilot testing from November 2023 to March 2024 in four traditional markets in Seoul, including Kkachisan Market in Gangseo District, Gwangjang Market in Jongno District, Namguro Market in Guro District, and Majang Market in Seongdong District, where it has already received recognition for its performance. The company is also advancing the fire patrol robot technology for traditional markets through the 8th Seoul Innovation Challenge. Recently, it signed a leasing contract with the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters to deploy two fire patrol robots in traditional markets in Seoul by the end of the year.
Irobo Robotics is also strengthening its business regarding power facility monitoring diagnostic robots for fire prevention in large-scale facilities. Last year, it conducted pilot testing at a Korea Electric Power Corporation substation. CEO Lee said, "We are currently discussing installation and service options for power facility monitoring diagnostic robots with various domestic corporations," adding, "We aim for AI safety robots to patrol not only factory sites but also various markets to prevent human and property damage."