Just a few years ago, devices that relied on buttons or apps are now rapidly transitioning to smart appliances and robots that operate solely through voice. Voice control allows users to manage lighting and temperature, check the news, play music, and organize schedules, leading to a more intuitive and convenient daily life. Especially after the pandemic, the demand for contactless technology has surged, establishing voice interfaces as an essential feature of smart robots.

Wellness robot NAMUHX./Courtesy of

At a showcase for the wellness robotics brand NAMUHX in April, when the presenter asked the wellness robot to "check my vital signs," it took only 10 seconds to comprehensively analyze voice, expression, and movement, measuring and reporting five key biometric signals: body temperature, heart activity intensity, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and stress index.

Voice control technology is evolving beyond simple command execution, understanding users' emotional states and the context of situations to engage in natural conversation. Global corporations are expanding their AI ecosystems based on this, while NAMUHX is pioneering the wellness robot market in Korea.

◇New user experience implemented with 100% voice control

NAMUHX's wellness robot can control all functions, including the self-driving air purification service "Air Solution" and "Vital Sign Check," 100% by voice. This robot, equipped with on-device technology, can recognize and execute voice commands from users even in an offline state without internet connection.

This has been advanced through collaboration with global semiconductor company Qualcomm. Notably, by applying on-device AI that processes voice data within devices — without relying on the cloud — it preemptively prevents unauthorized access to user's information. The response speed and security aspects have been enhanced compared to existing cloud-based AI.

Additionally, through the GPT-based conversational service, users can communicate with NAMUHX and receive emotional care services. It also features functions such as air quality briefings, lifestyle information provision, and personalized suggestions, enriching the user experience. NAMUHX's wellness robot can engage in casual conversations and respond flexibly to various situations, including inquiries about the device.

Wellness robot NAMUHX./Courtesy of

Through AI assistant functions, it not only searches for information but also recognizes situations based on keywords and expressions within texts to understand the user's context and suggest necessary services. For example, if a user says, "The air seems really bad," it responds with, "Shall I turn on the air purifier?" Afterward, if the user replies, "Yes, turn on the purification function," the Air Solution function activates immediately.

The basic dialogue is designed for flexible integration with a cloud-based high-performance language model for cases requiring more complex information exploration or advanced functions. This hybrid structure, based on the integration of on-device and cloud systems, is a key foundation for NAMUHX's goal of expanding into a "smart conversational AI platform.”

◇Open ecosystem strategy, innovation technology expansion

NAMUHX has chosen an 'open ecosystem' approach, where external business partners, developers, and users can freely participate and grow together. This is a strategy for expanding technology in the field of NAMUHX's wellness robots.

In particular, utilizing SK Networks' global innovation network, "Hicosystem," accumulated over the past seven years, they have enhanced product completion through collaboration with promising global corporations, startups, and experts. The startup "Phoenix Lab," composed of top talents from Stanford University, serves as the AI brain for SK Networks and supports the development of AI, which acts as the brain of the wellness robot.

The wellness robot from NAMUHX, which combines conversational AI and autonomous driving features, is expected to provide new caregiving methods for those needing social care, such as the elderly living alone, long-term care recipients, and families with children. This stems from NAMUHX's goal of "wellness care centered around people, exceeding technology."

A representative from NAMUHX noted, "We aim to create a wellness robot that can serve as a 'companion in everyday life' through a conversational interface that enables emotional connection with users. We will continuously expand personalized services that encompass AI, healthcare, and lifestyle overall, growing into a total wellness platform that actively manages individual health and quality of life."

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