“iJINI robot will become a converged service platform that will create new values by being freely connected to AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.”
CEO Kim Kyung-wook of Innovative Play Lab signed off on a contract with Roobo, which is a huge Chinese ICT (Information Communication Technology) distributor, during first half of this year regarding supply of iJINIs. Not only is it working to cooperate with huge companies in South Korea but it is also planning to work with Amazon Alexa and companies in Thailand and Russia.
“iJINI can be linked to AI and is a Smart home appliance electronic product that provides variety of functions and services.” said CEO Kim. “It is drawing attention from global markets.”
iJINI is a popular robot in foreign countries as it is a frequent product that is exhibited on global exhibitions such as MWC 2017. It is a robot that has a shape of a dog with four legs and responds to touch from people and understands voice commands.
CEO Kim has introduced software-centered open-type innovative strategy like Apple App Store into iJINI.
iJINI’s HW (Hardware) only has simple functions such as movement, recognition, monitoring, and expression of emotion and has open SW interface so that mobile network providers or distributors can develop and apply their own SW. They can apply their own brands and services and it is possible for them to upgrade their services continuously for consumers.
iJINI is made so that it can be linked to SW such as SK Telecom’s NUGU, KT’s GiGA Genie, and Amazon’s Alexa.
“As a startup company, there were limitations in continuing to develop self AI that is needed for a robot.” said CEO Kim. “By changing our thinking, we have increased expandability so that our partners can develop and apply services, entertainment, and educational and services that are specialized for a particular region.”
CEO Kim is also planning to regularize new businesses such as LoRa IoT service and others. His goal is to make LoRa and AI robots as two-headed horse for growth of Innovation Play Lab. Innovation Play Lab released portable burglarproof device that has LoRa module detect suspicious movement and notifies a user.
CEO Kim came to a conclusion that robots and IoT devices will create synergy by ultimately coming to same interface.
“There will be a point of connection within IoT since it is developing from both living and industry point of views and can be linked to life and industrial services.” said CEO Kim. “Robots will perform central roles in controlling many devices and services through AI and voice commands.”
CEO Kim started working on robots when he used to work for KT’s partner that developed kibot 10 years ago. A lesson that it is hard to succeed with robots that have 5 to 6 simple functions and services has worked as a foundation for his growth in this industry.
Staff Reporter Park, Jisung | jisung@etnews.com