Future Service Robot Scenarios in South Korea

Uijin Jung (), Jinseo Lee, Ji-Young Choi, Hyun Yim and Myoung-Jin Lee ()
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Uijin Jung: Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning, Chungbuk Innovation City 27740, Republic of Korea
Jinseo Lee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
Ji-Young Choi: Department of Sociology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
Hyun Yim: Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning, Chungbuk Innovation City 27740, Republic of Korea
Myoung-Jin Lee: Department of Sociology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: Advances in digital technology, periodic threats from infectious diseases, and shrinking working-age populations have increased the demand for autonomous systems. South Korea is now in crisis because its society is aging and has limited resources. The implementation of service robots is one of the possible alternative plans that has been receiving attention both for sustainable economic growth and as a solution to social problems. However, many things should be considered for service robots to be widely used in society. The aim of this study was to identify key factors that will affect the future of service robots and discuss corresponding policy measures. Four scenarios were developed using general morphology analysis (GMA). The scenarios were defined according to six key factors: technological development, infrastructure development, commercial acceptance, social acceptance, policy and regulatory environments, and technological competition. In scenario A, policy measures need to ensure that South Korea will continue as a global service robot leader. In scenario B, it is necessary to narrow the gap between South Korea and competitors in terms of service robot technology development and adoption. In scenario C-1, policies should encourage the adoption of service robot technologies both domestically and abroad. In scenario C-2, it is necessary to develop service robot technologies and promote the service robot industry.

Keywords: service robot; general morphological analysis (GMA); scenario planning; science and technology policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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