The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 26th that it has successfully completed field validation of the "extreme smart observation system" in Antarctica. With the development of this system, it has become possible to reliably collect polar data year-round without having to send people directly to Antarctica.
The extreme smart observation system consists of five observation stations in Antarctica, autonomous robots, a control hub, and an Internet of Everything (IoET)-based wireless communication network. Autonomous robots, which integrate specialized polar technologies such as high-resolution ground radar and low-temperature power management systems, detect and avoid crevasses obscured by snow while checking the observation stations. They can also transmit data in real-time to a base located dozens of kilometers away.
The research team led by Dr. Lee Joo-han of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) conducted field validations for about two months at the Jangbogo Scientific Research Station in Antarctica in two phases during 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, in collaboration with Dr. Baek Seung-jae of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology and Dr. Choi Young-ho of the Korea Robot Integrated Research Institute.
The research team confirmed that the system can reliably transmit data at speeds exceeding 10 megabits per second (Mbps) over a distance of 50 km even in environments below minus 50 degrees Celsius, and it can perform observation and inspection tasks without issues even with three or more robots operating simultaneously.
The collected data will be linked to the big data platform of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) and will be gradually released to the public. The government and the research team plan to expand the application range to the Sejong Scientific Research Station, Arctic research base, and the Antarctic interior in the future. They also plan to industrialize related technologies and utilize them in international joint explorations.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyeong said, "Changes in the polar regions affect our daily lives and safety due to Arctic-induced cold waves and rising sea levels, making it important to observe and research these changes. Traditionally, we have had to visit once a year to check and retrieve equipment due to severe cold, polar nights, and hazardous terrain."
He added, "This validation confirmed that the extreme integrated observation system can operate in areas that are difficult for people to access. We will continue to provide support to ensure safer and more stable research in extreme environments."