AI technology is shifting from a cloud-centric approach to a local processing focus. This shift is noteworthy as on-device AI, which expands its application beyond smartphones and home appliances to robots and smart homes, gains attention.
On-device AI processes data directly on the device without relying on cloud servers. This allows for achieving three simultaneous benefits: rapid response speed, high security, and network independence. The wellness robotics brand "NAMUHX" is leveraging this technology to develop the on-device AI-based wellness robot "A1," opening up a new market.
◇ Wellness robot "NAMUHX" operating without the cloud
Revealed in April, "NAMUHX" is an on-device AI robot capable of performing key functions without a cloud connection. Based on voice control features implemented in collaboration with Qualcomm, it is designed to be responsible for the user's overall wellness by offering air quality improvement, biometric signal measurement, and emotional care functions.
First, air quality management is implemented through the "Air Solution" utilizing autonomous sensors. "NAMUHX" autonomously moves around the home, purifying the air in every corner, including the living room, bedroom, and hallway. It provides performance capable of replacing six fixed air purifiers, ensuring a clean environment without blind spots.
The health management function can measure five biometric signals, including temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, and stress index, in just 10 seconds using a non-contact method. Users can check their health status at a designated time each day, enabling "daily wellness management" beyond annual health check-ups. The measured data is provided as a comprehensive wellness index, bringing closer the realization of personalized preventive healthcare.
The emotional care function is also a strength of "NAMUHX." With its emotional connection feature tailored for the increasing number of single-person households and seniors, it is equipped with GPT-based voice conversation technology. Users can converse naturally as if speaking with family or friends, functioning as a companion to start and end the day together through alarm and welcome features.
◇ Hybrid AI that balances security and response speed
"NAMUHX" adopted a structure that encrypts and processes sensitive data within the device without transmitting it to external servers. User voice and facial information are not stored in the cloud, and a total of 12 types of global security certifications have been integrated from the design stage to ensure stability.
The command processing method is designed with a hybrid structure. Simple commands are processed immediately within the device, while complex calculations or searches utilize cloud-based large language models (LLMs) to enhance response speed and accuracy. This provides a stable user experience regardless of network connection.
"NAMUHX" formed "Team NAMUHX" to develop the A1, integrating software and hardware in collaboration with Qualcomm, Qubear, MAUM.AI, and Everybot. In the future, they plan to expand the service area with various on-device-based features such as sleep management, meditation, and pet care.
Additionally, leveraging the global technology ecosystem "Hicosystem" accumulated over the past seven years, they are expanding collaborations with AI and robotics specialized corporations and startups. Through this, they aim to enhance product completeness and secure a leading position in the global AI value chain.
"NAMUHX" is set to begin pre-orders in June, with an official release scheduled for July. After entering the Malaysian and U.S. markets, it plans to expand its business to major Asian regions, including Japan and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, they are promoting the establishment of a joint venture using local sales networks, while in the U.S., they plan to rapidly build distribution and service infrastructure in collaboration with strategic partners.