Robot delivery service to be available for Korean consumers from 2026

• Published date: 28 February 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

The government said Monday it will push to commercialize the delivery of packages by robots and drones starting in 2026 and 2027, respectively, on its path to build a next-generation logistics system.

It also said it will begin urban air mobility (UAM) vehicle tests with six Korean consortiums to fully commercialize them in 2025, while opening an independent organization responsible for a state-led aerospace program and aeronautics research by the end of this year.

Announced during an emergency meeting of economy-related ministers, these measures were parts of progress being made by the government under an economic development blueprint covering 15 projects, titled "New Growth Strategy 4.0."

The blueprint was unveiled in December 2022 in line with efforts to foster private sector-led growth engines amid a growing need to reverse a slowdown in productivity.

The 15 projects are related to future mobility, independent space exploration, quantum technology, medical technology, green energy, artificial intelligence-based (AI) digital technology, smart logistics, carbon neutral cities, smart farming, smart grids, semiconductors and displays, bio clusters, a tourism cluster centering on the former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, R and D on special visual effects, metaverse and virtual reality and the winning of overseas mega deals on construction, defense and nuclear plant projects.

"It's important for the government to seek proactive...